The Weirton Police Department will be among 13 area police departments being honored with AAA's Platinum Awards for their highway safety activities on Nov. 13 at the Olive Garden restaurant in Triadelphia.

According to J.J. Miller, AAA safety advisor, an awards luncheon will be held to honor the three platinum winners and other departments that excelled in making their communities safer. She said other departments will also receive gold, silver, bronze or safety commendations.

Miller said the awards are to recognize police departments who monitor public safety in motor vehicles. She said selecting target areas, monitoring, documenting and initiating change over the course of three to five years.

"During 2008, 380 fatalities occurred on West Virginia highways," said Miller. "These officers continue to strive to reduce the number of fatalities by conducting educational programs and promotional campaigns to encourage the development of safe driving habits."

Other police departments in the region to receive the awards from AAA include Cameron, McMechan, Moundsville, New Martinsville, Wheeling; and sheriff's departments in Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, and Wetzel counties; and West Virginia State Police Troops 1 in both Moundsville and Wheeling Detachments.

The awards presentation will be at 12:45 p.m. at the Olive Garden located on Cabela Drive in Triadelphia.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)