Law enforcement officers spend much of their time working to make sure the rest of us can travel safely on our nation's roads and highways. And their efforts have certainly paid off. Since 1970, the number of drivers and passengers killed in automobile crashes in the United States has declined by 20 percent.

Yet, during this same time period, the number of law enforcement officers killed on our roadways has soared by more than 30 percent. Automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents and officers being struck by other vehicles all represent significant dangers for our peace officers. In 2007, 83 law enforcement officers across the country lost their lives in traffic-related incidents - that was an all-time high.

We need to stop this disturbing trend as soon as possible.

To reach this goal, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund launched Drive Safely: The Campaign to Decrease Law Enforcement Fatalities on the Road. The Campaign includes public awareness of the dangers officers face on our roadways, as well as specific tips that motorists everywhere can - and should - follow to help protect our men and women in blue.

In addition, the Drive Safely Campaign includes an action step that we hope every driver will take: signing the "Drive Safely Pledge" and displaying your free "Drive Safely" bumper sticker — tangible signs that you are committed to protecting America's peace officers who help protect you.

Thank you for your support of the NLEOMF's efforts to protect America's peace officers who work so hard to protect all of us. Please sign the pledge ... and encourage your family members and friends to do the same.