| Contestants Can Register at Autobytel Web Sites; Autobytel to Fund Safe-Driving Initiative in Contest Winner's Community |
Autobytel has announced that it will sponsor a $5,000 safe-driving initiative in the neighborhood of the person who prompts the most drivers to "Take the Pledge to Slow Down" online at Autobytel's web sites during the month between September 24th (National Take the Pledge to Slow Down Day) and October 24th. The nationwide contest is aimed at improving the safety and quality of life in America's residential communities by motivating as many drivers as possible to sign a formal commitment ("The Pledge") to drive safely and courteously on neighborhood streets. Contestants can log on to www.autobytel.com, www.autoweb.com and www.carsmart.com for complete contest rules and regulations, and to register for the contest.
"The race is on to see who can best use the Internet to turn the power of one into the power of many, and help make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live," said Autobytel President and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "Our goal is to help the winner design a safe-driving project that will make a significant difference in his or her community." According to Schwartz, an effective safe-driving initiative could include beautifying a median strip or roadside (which has been proven to reduce average speeds), posting additional signage near schools or parks, hiring additional school crossing guards, etc. -- the company will let the winner decide.
Officials nationwide, including the governor of California, mayor of Los Angeles and representatives in Washington, D.C., are asking drivers to observe Take the Pledge to Slow Down Day on September 24th by making a special effort to observe the speed limit on neighborhood streets and other areas where children may be present.
The day will also be marked by coordinated Take the Pledge events coast-to-coast, organized by activists from all walks of life -- from bankers and moms, to Neighborhood Watch and PTA groups, to police and public safety organizations. Even the U.S. Navy is on board; Captain David R. Landon and Coronado, Calif., Mayor Thomas Smisek will host a Take the Pledge to Slow Down rally outside the U.S. Naval base at Coronado, which will be attended by service men and women, local residents, Coronado police, and national and local media.
"Every day we see the intimidating and negative impact a huge volume of traffic moving at significant speed can have on a neighborhood and community," said Coronado resident Dick Scharff, the man responsible for organizing the Naval base event. "Take the Pledge to Slow Down reminds us that we all have to take personal responsibility behind the wheel -- and take a very cautious, courteous approach on neighborhood roads."
About Take the Pledge to Slow Down
Founded to combat speeding on neighborhood streets, Take the Pledge to Slow Down is a grassroots movement that depends on the power of individual activists across the country -- coupled with the power of the Internet -- to encourage drivers to take personal responsibility for their driving. Autobytel Inc., the official sponsor of Take the Pledge to Slow Down, offers a comprehensive Take the Pledge area on its three consumer websites (www.autobytel.com, www.autoweb.com and www.carsmart.com), where concerned citizens can Take the Pledge; access safe driving tips, find information and links; download Take the Pledge materials; and join Autobytel's fight for safer neighborhood streets and saved lives.
