FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	PHONE: 518-473-7000
Friday, October 20, 2006

 

Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced that Michele James, St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety and STOP-DWI Coordinator, has been awarded this year's Individual Chairman's Award by Governor George E. Pataki's Traffic Safety Committee for her exemplary traffic safety efforts.

"Michele's dedication, innovation and hard work have gone a long way in promoting traffic safety and driver education in St. Lawrence County," Commissioner Naples said. "Her aggressive and successful programs, despite numerous logistical challenges, are evidence of her selfless dedication and I applaud her continuing efforts on behalf of the motoring public."

Ms. James has launched a number of traffic safety initiatives, including a brochure on winter driving tips, a low-income helmet initiative and a quarterly traffic safety newsletter distributed to schools, businesses and human-services agencies.

Commissioner Naples officially presented Ms. James with the Individual Chairman's Award at the New York Highway Safety Annual Fall Conference, held earlier this week in Rochester.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV.  The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs designed to promote highway safety.  Commissioner Nancy Naples serves as Chair of the Committee.