COLUMBUS — The state is enlisting truck drivers as anti-terrorism agents.

        State, federal and trucking industry officials said they're participating in a new program to train drivers to watch for terrorist activity and let police know about accidents and erratic driving.

        Twenty-one Ohio drivers and trucking company officials completed a two-hour Highway Watch training course conducted by state troopers last week.

        Ohio is the ninth state to have the program. William Canary, president of the American Trucking Association, said his organization wants to take the program nationwide.

        “We're asking our 3 million truck drivers to keep an eye on the roads,” he said. “We're giving the president 3 million more troops.”

        Fifteen Ohio Highway Patrol sergeants train truckers who are based in or travel through the state. The effort is funded by an initial $100,000 federal grant.

        Trucker Tom Michael of Akron said he has followed the Highway Watch program's rules throughout his 24-year career. The training he completed last week added a national-security aspect.

        “I think it's a great program,” he said. “It can do nothing but make the roads a safer place to travel.” He said the program “has alerted drivers who haul hazardous waste to be more aware” of the possibility of truck hijackings.

        ATA spokesman John Willard said drivers are trained to look for suspicious activity or trucks that have been hijacked or are vulnerable to hijacking. Trucks and trailers parked in remote areas or under bridges are cause for suspicion, he said.

Ky. dioceses lead U.S. in priest abuse lawsuits
Bishops revoke invitation to abuse victims' group
Priest target of 48 suits
Convenience attracts N.Ky. drug buyers
Foreign-born numbers double
Security won't be left to faith
Airport Days all about family
Ball planned for seniors, disabled
Charter school moves closer to 'home'
Deal near on high school site
Driver faces charges after traffic attack
House destroyed in fire
Man charged after shooting suspect in leg
McCrackin's spirit alive in West End
Obituary: Betty Ritterhoff, 91, loved history, dance
Saying goodbye to graffiti
Summit teaches love for users
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Ready & willing
CROWLEY: Ky. Politics
PULFER: Roxanne Qualls
SMITH AMOS: Since Sept. 11
Rebels expected attack, ex-hostage says
Work begins on shopping center
Dayton Peace Prize awarded
Democrats to elect new party head
One school stands tall on expanding view of evolution
Truckers keep eyes on road looking out for terrorists
Covington schools seek more diversity
Feds to inspect coal-waste site
Hitchhiker run over by truck
Kentucky News Briefs
Work on Ali center starting