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Boston, April 18, 2019 - MassDOT officials today joined MAPFRE leadership in South Boston to announce that MAPFRE Insurance was awarded a sponsorship contract for the next three years, and commemorate the 10^th anniversary of Massachusetts’ Move Over Law.

The Move Over Law, which took effect March 22, 2009, requires motorists to “move over” or slow down for First Responders stopped on the side of the highway. This provides an extra measure of safety for all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals.

“We appreciate MAPFRE’s continued support of our Highway Assistance Program which assists stranded motorists and those who are in need of mechanical assistance on state highways,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “We encourage members of the public to recognize that they must move over and reduce their speeds when approaching a scene involving First Responders or highway assistance crews who are doing their best to efficiently and safely assist with an emergency situation or stranded motorist.”

The operators of the Highway Assistance Program, sponsored by MAPFRE Insurance, assist stranded motorists and provide services such as changing flat tires, fixing minor mechanical problems, providing minimal amounts of fuel, and providing emergency medical assistance. This assistance helps to reduce traffic congestion that results from stalled vehicles on the side of the highway, and reduces the likelihood of secondary incidents.

The Highway Assistance Program, formerly known as Cares Vans, was the nation’s first patrol to accept private enterprise sponsorship and remains the longest running sponsored patrol, having been supported by MAPFRE Insurance since 2003. Since that time, the Highway Assistance Program has patrolled 23 million miles and responded to over 520,000 incidents. MAPFRE Insurance was selected as the sponsor for the Highway Assistance Program through a competitive bidding process which was open to any interested party

“The Highway Assistance Program plays a valuable role in protecting our motorists and their passengers, and restoring traffic flow to Massachusetts roadways as safely and quickly as possible,” said MAPFRE Insurance CEO, Northeast Region, Patrick McDonald. “We are pleased to continue to support this important program through our partnership with MassDOT.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all 50 states have “Move Over” laws. In Massachusetts, failure to comply with the law could result in a fine of up to $100. Whenever motorists see flashing lights, whether it’s a Highway Assistance vehicle, law enforcement officer, firefighter or tow truck driver, they are urged to move over to protect these First Responders.

“We are continuing to work closely with MAPFRE Insurance to help promote safe and reliable travel on state highways,” said Highway Administrator Gulliver. “Our greatest priority is safety and ensuring that everyone using our transportation systems reaches their destination and the places they need to go.”

The Highway Assistance Patrol services routes in Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Cape Cod (seasonal) during peak coverage hours, with extended routes during holidays. The sponsorship also covers the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 with the Emergency Service Patrol, as well as Boston-area tunnels in the Metropolitan Highway System with Incidence Response Operators.

About MAPFRE Insurance:

MAPFRE Insurance^®, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, serves policyholders in 14 states across the United States through a network of more than 5,000 independent agents and brokers. MAPFRE Insurance is the 20th largest private passenger auto insurer and the 21st largest property-casualty insurer in the United States. MAPFRE Insurance is also the largest private passenger automobile insurer, homeowners’ insurer and commercial automobile insurer in Massachusetts. MAPFRE Insurance provides a full range of insurance products, including coverage for automobiles, homes, motorcycles, watercraft and business. MAPFRE Insurance is part of the MAPFRE Group.

MAPFRE is a global insurance company with a worldwide presence. It is the benchmark insurer in the Spanish market and the largest Spanish multinational insurance group in the world. The company is the main multinational insurer in Latin America and is among the Top 5 largest Non-Life European insurers by premium volume. MAPFRE employs more than 35,000 professionals globally. In 2018, MAPFRE’s revenues totaled nearly €27 billion, with net earnings of €529 million.

MAPFRE Insurance is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE USA Corp.

Written By: Klark Jessen

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