08:06 AM CST on Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Associated Press

AUSTIN -- Drivers pulled over on Travis County roads this week could be pleasantly surprised to find out they were targeted for driving well.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office and the Round Rock Express on Tuesday announced a program to reward good drivers with free minor league baseball tickets.

“We want to recognize people who are driving legally and driving in the right manner,” Sheriff Greg Hamilton said.

He said deputies will stop motorists just as they would during a routine traffic stop. He acknowledged that some drivers are likely to be upset before an explanation.

Sheriff’s officials said the Express has given the department about 200 tickets, which will be distributed by 20 deputies.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for people to get tickets in their cars, but not baseball tickets,” Express CEO Reid Ryan said.  “It is in the best interest of all of us to promote safe driving.”