Buffer profiting heavily from 'Let's Get Ready to Rumble Strips'

Harrisburg, PA--Yes, that was Michael Buffer you just ran over. Well ... sort of. Iconic boxing announcer Michael Buffer has sold his likeness to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a safety public awareness campaign.

The Philadelphia native has joined with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) to help reduce speeding--a longtime problem, especially near tollbooths--on the state's extensive roadway network using rumble strips. The new traffic calming devices are appropriately called Let's Get Ready to Rumble Strips.

"It took quite a bit of taxpayer money to use Michael's image and catchphrase, but we think it will do wonders to slow vehicles down and, ultimately, save many lives," said Governor Ed Rendell, standing in front of a group of reporters near the entrance of the PA Turnpike's Kittatinny Tunnel.

Thus far, two Let's Get Ready to Rumble Strips have been installed near toll plazas on the Turnpike's Northeast Extension, and a faint and mumbled "Let's get ready to rumble" shout can be heard when vehicles pass over the raised lines at the posted speed.

"Motorists have to obey the posted speed or they will not hear Michael make is famous call," said Rendell. "Everybody wins with Let's Get Ready to Rumble Strips."

So popular are the new rumble strips that California, Florida, Nevada and New Jersey have contacted Buffer about possible installation. Buffer says that he may profit more from encouraging safe driving than he ever will as a boxing announcer.