“SAFETY TOUR©  2002”

YEAR - END REPORT

October 2001 thru September 2002

Ol' Blue, USA (United Safety Alliance, Inc. a Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) Educational and Charitable Organization founded in 1986) recently concluded its 2002 National Highway Safety Tour.

It attracted an estimated audience, media coverage and impressions of 22 million – an extremely impressive figure.

During The 2002 Tour, 'Ol' Blue'^® and the Rolling Billboard traveled 10,430 miles through 19 states and held 20 events, some of which were 3 days long.  Overnight or break stops were made in 99 cities, including 66 truck stops and 33 rest stops (1,660 total hours spent with seventy thousand impressions).  Each of these stops generated considerable interest from both truckers and the public.

On-the road, exposure was 2.3 million impressions (where trailer was viewed while driving).

'Ol' Blue'^® and its 53-foot Rolling Billboard trailer, complete with Sponsor's and law enforcement logos, has proven to be an unparalleled asset in attracting attention to its safety programs and their supporters.  To date, Ol' Blue, USA has the only non-governmental vehicle in the country permitted to carry law enforcement logos.

'Ol' Blue' and its Rolling Billboard, Ol' Blue, USA's team, along with federal agencies from NHTSA, USDOT/FMCSA, USDOT/RSPA and state/city law enforcement officers from California, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio and Texas, accomplished the following for the corporate and industrial communities:

• Safety Center© (Trade shows)
• A Safety Minute© with Ol’ Blue, USA (Radio program & Web page)
• Ask The Law© with Ol’ Blue, USA (Radio program)
• Ask The Law© at Ol’ Blue, USA (Web page & E-mail)
• Hands-on safety workshops
• Demonstrations for preventive maintenance
• Simulated roadside inspections
• Safety seminars on large vehicles and cars sharing the highways
• Big Wheels, Little Kids© (School visitation program)
• Kids Safety Center© (Educational Website for Kids at www.KidsSafetyCenter.org )

This attraction to 'Ol' Blue' and its sponsor-logoed Rolling Billboard has enabled RJ Taylor, president of Ol' Blue, USA, to expand on the programs and the organization's goal:  to develop a cooperative working relationship between motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, the law enforcement community and other users of the National Highway System.

Insurance Coverage

Ol’ Blue, USA is proud to point out that it has carried all of the needed Commercial Insurance Coverage’s for special events/safety demonstrations.  These coverage’s include: Host Medical Coverage, Commercial Auto Coverage and a specifically designed General Liability Policy.  Furthermore, these coverage’s have been approved by the insurance company underwriting department and cover Ol’ Blue, USA and its sponsors while engaged in such activities, but not limited to, Truck Shows, Rest Area, Truck Stop, Community Events, School Visits, Safety Tips, Broadcasting, Publishing, Employees and Volunteers.  Our sponsors, and all agencies whose logos appear on our rolling billboard, are named in our insurance policy as Additional Insured.

The standard operating insurance policy that trucking companies carry is know as a “Truckmen Policy”.  Typically, Truckmen Policies don’t cover things that are not in the usual course of business (hauling freight), such as special events and exhibits, according to the Institute for Insurance Information.  Organizers of such events – in trucking, school visits and other industries – rarely cover participants who are not employees or otherwise under the organizer’s control and direction.  This being the case, the Institute advises that if you use a truck at a trade show, school visit or a display, take out special event/demonstration insurance to protect yourself against accidents and resulting lawsuits that could happen.

Ol’ Blue, USA sponsors provide funding to our organization to spend wisely.  One of our important expenditures is on insurance.  In fact, Ol’ Blue, USA provides approximately 15% of our sponsor’s funding to protect our sponsors.  This, we believe, is good business practice.

Safety Center ©

The Ol' Blue, USA "Safety Center 2002" was center stage at four major trade shows:  Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky; North American Truck Show in Boston, Massachusetts; International Trucking Show in Las Vegas, Nevada; and The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. These shows attracted a combined audience of more than 164,356 attendees and exhibitors.

“Mid-America has long been a staunch supporter of the safety programs brought to our show,” said Tim Young, President of the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Our Safety Center events are on the Web at www.olblueusa.org/trade.html

Safety Center Overview

During trade shows, the Ol' Blue, USA “Safety Center” conducts simulated roadside inspections, with state law enforcement, to educate drivers on Level #1 procedures and truck maintenance.  By placement of mirrors underneath 'Ol' Blue'^®, the vintage 1951 tractor, drivers can watch the officer making the inspection. During other safety events, these inspections are normally conducted with RJ sitting behind the wheel of the truck.

Watching officers actually conduct a roadside inspection gives drivers, fleet managers and mechanics a better idea of what to expect during such an inspection.  Furthermore, they get a good idea of what they should check during their own safety inspections.  Question and answer sessions are held after each demonstration.  This is both educational and informative.

Another benefit of these simulated inspections is that it provides drivers, fleet managers and law enforcement the opportunity to get to know each other and get an appreciation for each other’s duties, responsibilities and challenges.  The relationship between the two is typically adversarial.  Through Ol' Blue, USA inspections, drivers and law enforcement get a feel for what each goes through.  To spark the interaction, Ol' Blue, USA gives sponsor's caps to those whom ask questions.  This is all about “teamwork”.

 This unique traffic safety program has already reached thousands of people in its efforts to educate and build unity among truck drivers, law enforcement and the public at large. Response continues to be rewarding.

Shell ROTELLA ^® ‘Super Rigs’  Truck Beauty Show

The California Highway Patrol and Ol’ Blue, USA were the honored guests of Shell to promote highway safety at the 20^th Anniversary of “SuperRigs”.  More than 100 contestants, representing 26 states and three provinces, participated in the three-day June event, held at the T/A Truck Stop in Ontario, CA.  Mr. Sam Tahour, General Manager of the T/A, estimates that some 5,000 truckers came through during the SuperRigs Competition.  Shell surprised Ol’ Blue, USA by holding a drawing for a 24” combo TV, with all the proceeds going to Ol’ Blue’s Big Wheels, Little Kids School Program.  At a dollar a ticket, $420.00 was raised.  That was quite an honor and greatly appreciated.  Shell truly cares about highway safety!  Joey and Vicki Holiday promoted this project and collected the money.  Two very busy people selflessly giving of their time.  Many thanks to Joey, Vicki and the Shell ROTELLA team.

Radio Programs

A Safety Minute© with Ol’ Blue, USA promotes highway safety over the airwaves throughout North America.  The program is featured nightly on the Midnight Cowboy Trucking Network, which has a listenership of over 2 million per month.  A Safety Minute is hosted by David “Cabover” Kolman and is sponsored, in part, by Shell Rotella® T.  These tips can also be viewed on Ol’ Blue, USA’s Web site at www.olblueusa.org/radio.

Ask The Law© with Ol’ Blue, USA is featured on the Midnight Trucking Radio Network.  The network has a listenership of more than 66,000 nightly.  Featured on this particular program are Sergeant Kennis Miles and Sr. Trooper Monty Dial from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), “License & Weight Division”.  Listeners have the opportunity to call in from midnight until 4 a.m. on the Shell Rotella T’s 800-phone line and ask law and safety related questions.  Listeners on the Internet can E-mail askthelaw@olblueusa.org and ask questions also.

Ask The Law section of the Ol’ Blue, USA Website at www.AskTheLaw.org .

"In the four years that we've been airing the Ask The Law with Ol’ Blue, USA feature on the Midnight Trucking Radio Network, we have continually heard from our listeners what a wonderful program it is," said Mindy Baker, Marketing Director of the network. "They say it's always informative and they get some nice insight into law enforcement and its activities."

School Visit Program

Big Wheels, Little Kids© – Large Vehicle Traffic Safety demonstrations were created for 5,348 students and adults in programs at 10 schools.  The Big Wheels, Little Kids programs were hosted by Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Warren County (KY), Warren County Kentucky Sheriff’s Department, Texas DPS (License & Weight), City of Dallas Police Department (TX), Shell Rotella T, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, City of Urbana Police Department, Triad Local School District (OH) and Ed & Carol Ropp Trucking.  This is a program that is so popular that it is sometimes challenging to meet the demand!  Details about our school programs can be found on the Web at www.KidsSafetyCenter.org

Our updated bicycle safety Story Book for older kids – can be found at www.olblueusa.org

Our new bicycle safety Coloring Book for kids – produced specifically to help children easily learn the lessons – and importance – of safety around large vehicles – can be found on the web at www.olblueusa.org/coloringbook/

"Shell ROTELLA® T has a long history in promoting safety.   Sponsoring Ol' Blue, USA is a wonderful way to continue ensuring that children and their parents can be as safe as possible on the road and around large vehicles." This statement from Earl Blanchette, Director of Product Management, and Ms. Shirley Yin-Piazza, Marketing Manager for Shell ROTELLA T, came during our Press Conference at the 2002 Mid-America Trucking Show when they presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Big Wheels, Little Kids© safety programs of Ol' Blue, USA.  A video of this presentation, courtesy of Trade Show Television Network, can be viewed on the web at www.olblueusa.org/video/streaming/mats2002.html

Photo on right shows members of the Urbana Police Department and Champaign County Sheriff’s Office escorting ‘Ol’ Blue’ to a school in Ohio.  Deputy Aaron Brown and Officer Molton did a great job.

Photo on right was taken during our visit to The School of Liberal Arts and Science, in Dallas, TX.

Truck Stop and Community Events

Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Warren County Kentucky, Shell Oil Co., and the City of Vandalia Ohio Police, Fire and Parks Departments, hosted community events, truck and rest stop events and assemblies, with an estimated audience of over 8,000 people.  Other county, city and state agencies that played a big role in these and other events were California Highway Patrol; Champaign County Ohio Fire & Sheriff’s Department; City of Urbana Fire and Police Departments; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Indiana State Police; Kentucky State Police; Louisville Police Department; Warren County Kentucky Sheriff’s Department; Texas DPS License & Weight; Texas DPS Motor Vehicle Theft; City of Dallas Police Department and the City of Houston Police Department.

Our Website: www.olblueusa.org

In January of 1998, Ol’ Blue, USA was a one-page web site.  Today, the site has over 280 pages of information and is being viewed by 43 countries and has generated 372,676 “hits” in one month.  Presently, there are over 285 outside websites linked to the Ol’ Blue, USA’s site along with 401 search engines allowing access to our site.  Our Website reports on “stats” are handled in a separate attachment.  This is in great thanks to our story editors, Kathy Harders, Gary Bricken and David “Cabover” Kolman.

The site now includes information on pre-trip inspections, updated news, live and archived pictures from Web-Cam broadcasts of trades shows, and programs like “A Safety Minute”©.  In addition, you will find information on sponsors, our National Highway Safety Tour schedule, our Big Wheels, Little Kids© School Visitation Program and the Kids Safety Center© with our online School News, storybook and coloring book.  These can be found at the Kids Safety Center portion of the Ol’ Blue, USA Website at www.KidsSafetyCenter.org

Our Website also includes Streaming Video©, and MP3© sound, as well as the history of Ol’ Blue, USA, financial statements, insurance coverage explanation and much more.

With more than 6 million websites on the Internet today, the Ol’ Blue, USA website is among the most frequently visited, according to Alexa,  (www.alexa.com), an Internet company that tracks website "hits."  "The site www.olblueusa.org has maintained its traffic ranking position among the top 5% of sites ranked by Alexa Internet throughout 2002," said Alexis Rossi, Director, Editorial and Customer Service.  Alexa.com report  “stats” are handled in a separate attachment.

Several websites, in particular, need to be recognized for their extra coverage of Ol' Blue, USA’s safety tips with “A Safety Minute” Ad Banner as a PSA, on their home page.  They are:

Media

As always, the media has been supportive of Ol' Blue, USA and its activities.  We have had coverage of, among other things, our National Highway Safety Tour, Safety Center, School Programs and Community Events.

Several of the media, in particular, need to be recognized for their coverage of Ol' Blue, USA.  They are:

• Television:  Trade Show Television Network, www.TSTN.net (cable TV at Mid-America) and WBKO-TV (ABC)
• Radio:  WLW-Radio, WBAP-Radio, WBVR-Radio, WKTC-Radio, WDNS-Radio and ABC/Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 180
• Print:  Fleet Equipment, Movin’ Out, Overdrive, RoadKing Magazine, rpm Magazine, The Trucker, Daily News (Bowling Green, KY) and Urbana Daily Citizen (Urbana, OH)
• Internet:         Layover.com, LOADS.org, MovinOut.com, PRNewswire.com, RoadKing.com, TruckNet.com, TheTrucker.com, TruckingInfo.com, TWNA.org, TruckPoint.com. and Yahoo News

A special note, a News Release on our Coloring and Story Book went out this year from the Truck Writers of North America, Tom Kelly, and was carried by the PR Newswire, at http://www.prnewswire.com/company/usnational.html

The above-mentioned media attracted a combined audience of more than 2.2 million. 

Since the media figures quoted represent known coverage of Ol' Blue, USA, there could still be a significant unknown coverage by media.  A full spectrum of trade, print, TV and radio was represented.  Reports continue to come in daily.  A media report on coverage of the Ol' Blue, USA “National Highway Safety Tour” is handled in a separate attachment. 

Sponsors, What Was In It For You?

All of the above, and knowing that sponsorship of Ol' Blue, USA, demonstrated your company’s commitment to highway safety.  And let’s face it, perceptions are critical when it comes to a company’s “public” image and the sale of its products.

Consider further, that with growing traffic congestion and road rage, highway safety is becoming an ever-growing concern for motorists and truckers alike.

In May of 2002, this is what Michelin^® said in one of its press releases . . . Michelin Americas Truck Tires (MATT) has contributed $25,000 to Ol’ Blue, USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to large vehicle safety.  The Ol’ Blue program has been endorsed not only by trucking industry, but also by law enforcement agencies and schools nationwide.

“Michelin has supported Ol’ Blue, USA since the program began in 1986,” said Randy Clark, vice-president of Marketing, Michelin Americas Truck Tires.  “The core purpose of Ol’ Blue is to educate the public, especially the young people, about large vehicle safety and how to avoid accidents.  Safety is an important priority at Michelin.  We salute the efforts of RJ Taylor to educate young people and we are proud to be a founding sponsor of Ol’ Blue, USA.”

Funding

Ol' Blue, USA's funding comes from its Sponsors; Shell ROTELLA T, Michelin Americas Truck Tires, Alcoa Wheel Products, Webb Wheel Products, Inc., Mid-America Trucking Show, International Trucking Show and The Great American Trucking Show.  In addition, $10,000 Grant Donations to the “Big Wheels, Little Kids” and the “Kids Safety Center” school programs came in from Shell ROTELLA T and additional cash donations came in from LOADS.org, TWNA.org, and Warren County Kentucky.  Ol’ Blue, USA also received "in-kind" donations from Michelin Americas Truck Tires (School Brochure) and Truck.Net (Hosting of our Website).

You can take great pride that your organization is one of the select companies doing something for highway safety.  Our Brochure is on the Web at www.olblueusa.org/brochure/index.html

Exposure

As detailed elsewhere, having your logo on Ol' Blue, USA’s Rolling Billboard this year alone has meant that some 2.8 million people have seen your company name, and saw it in conjunction with highway safety.  This figure of 2.8 million does not include the media of 2.2 million shown above.

Divide the “investment” of your Ol' Blue, USA sponsorship into 2.8 million, and you will see that the cost to reach these people is minimal and quite a bargain!

Ol’ Blue, USA’s office is receiving calls and E-mails from all over the nation asking that the Ol' Blue, USA Safety Tour pay a visit during next year's program.  Copies available upon request.  The Safety Tour©, Safety Center© and Big Wheels, Little Kids© safety programs continue to expand in their quest for safer roads and safer highways across the nation.  Of course, in order to expand, we look forward to additional sponsorship and funding.

From our Board of Directors

Ol' Blue, USA's President and Board of Directors want to sincerely thank each and every one of our sponsors, donors, law enforcement and volunteers.  Were it not for all of you, we would not be able to carry on what we all believe to be a most worthy and valuable goal:  "People Working Together For Highway Safety"®.

And finally, we want to recognize some very special people who have devoted considerable, time, effort and dedication in support of Ol' Blue, USA and its projects.  We couldn’t have had such a successful year had it not been for Sam Eichenberger, Pam Hagen, Cliff McHenry, David “Cabover” Kolman, Beverly Steele, Kathy Harders, Sharon & Monty Rhoades, Claudia Graser & Family, Ed & Carol Ropp, Ofc. Greg Hardin, Trooper Monty Dial, Ofc. Harold Barthe’, Deputy Aaron Brown, David Grizzell, Charlie Detraz and staff from Trade Show Television Network and Tom Kelley with Deadline Factory. 

Photos taken by Stan Holtzman, Larry Long, Gary Bricken, Bill Hudgins, Ed & Carol Ropp and Don Rector.