Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be presented with 1,000 stuffed “Buckle Bears” at a special event Thursday, August 7, 2008. The bears were made by members of AT & T Pioneers Nashville Life Member Club. The bears, along with coloring books and crayons, will be distributed to State Troopers in the Nashville and Lawrenceburg Districts.

WHO:          The Tennessee Highway Patrol, Gregg Morton, AT&T President, Kenny Blackburn, AT&T
                   Vice President of External Affairs, members of AT&T Pioneers Nashville Life Member Club
                   and State Farm representatives.

WHAT:        Buckle Bear & Coloring book and crayon distribution

WHEN:        Thursday, August 7, 2008
                   10:00 a.m.

WHERE:      AT&T Tower   
                   Corner of 4th Avenue and Commerce Street
                   Media parking available on Commerce Street
                   Nashville, TN            

Each Road Trooper will receive 5-6 “Buckle Bears” and coloring books to carry in their vehicle. Troopers will give the bears to children who are involved in motor vehicle crashes to help calm them. They will also hand out the bears to children who are found to be improperly restrained or not buckled up at all, in hopes of educating and encouraging child safety restraint usage. This is a timely program, since more children will soon be riding in vehicles traveling to and from school.

The coloring books, titled Tenny C. Bear, promote seat belt usage and safety. They were created by artist Doralynn Lowe. Ms. Lowe is a Tennessee native who currently resides on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.