Top Driver SUV Driver Training

Top Driver CEO Available for Interviews Regarding SUV Driver Training

    ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 9 Responding to widespread
interest from consumer and corporate customers, Top Driver will introduce a
driving instruction program targeted to drivers of sport utility vehicles
(SUVs). Sebastian Giordano, CEO of Top Driver, an Englewood Cliffs, NJ firm
that is the largest driver training company in the country, is available to
discuss Top Driver's efforts to help drivers adjust to the unique safety and
driving requirements of SUVs.

     WHO:      Sebastian Giordano, President of Top Driver

     WHAT:     Interviews to discuss SUV Driver Training

     WHERE:    Telephone, in studio, or at Top Driver headquarters in
               Englewood Cliffs, NJ

     WHEN:     Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis

    "There's been a lot of attention given to SUVs recently in the press, but
no one has come forward with a program that presents the issues from a
driver's perspective," said Giordano. "We wanted to offer concrete approaches
to driving that are specific to the SUV, and the kinds of situations one might
face when driving this type of vehicle."
    Most people learn how to drive on a car, and then switch to other vehicles
types as they continue driving. Historically, driver instruction companies
have used passenger cars for training exclusively. "As a result of its
partnership with the Ford Motor Company, Top Driver now also utilizes Ford
Escapes at its training centers and provides training techniques specifically
applicable to an SUV. That's a huge benefit to our customers, young and old,
who want to take advantage of the fun and convenience the SUV has to offer,
and who also want to be mindful of state of the art safety techniques."
    According to Giordano, the Company has developed a prototype SUV training
course for its corporate clients as well. Top Driver anticipates making the
course available to its customers within the next eight weeks. The course will
include classroom instruction as well as practice behind the wheel of an SUV.
Top Driver will also offer instruction via videotapes and compact discs.
    Bill Waslick, Top Driver's Vice President of Health and Safety advises all
drivers -- especially those in sport utility vehicles -- to avoid sharp turns
if there are any problems with tires. "Motorists should slow the vehicle
gradually and then ease it onto the shoulder," Waslick said.
    Waslick added that "the sport utility driver should also keep more
distance between their vehicle and others to avoid having to maneuver
abruptly, which could reduce stability. The additional following distance will
also compensate for the sport utility vehicle's longer stopping distance. Most
people think an SUV brakes faster, but that's not true.
    "SUVs should also be driven slowly when strong winds are blowing across
the road, as wind tends to affect taller vehicles more. You should also be
careful not to overload an SUV."
    Giordano added that "my goal is that Top Driver will continue to be the
leading producer of driver training programs.  We already have over fifty
different driver training products with new additional programs currently in
development." In addition to SUV training, Top Driver also plans to offer
specific instruction in the future for pickups and vans. "Every vehicle type
poses different safety challenges," Giordano added.  "These are vehicles that
a lot of people are driving now -- so we want to make sure our customers are
the best prepared drivers on the road. What they learn from us can save their
lives. If our customers plan to drive an SUV, a pickup or a van, we want them
to be ready to drive it safely."

    About Top Driver
    Top Driver is the nation's premier driver and vehicle safety instruction
company, offering consumers a wide array of safety training products and
services addressing: new drivers, defensive driving, mature drivers, special
needs, driver improvement, young driver drug and alcohol abuse prevention and
more. Top Driver, through its wholly owned subsidiary FLI Learning Systems,
offers corporations comprehensive professional driver and vehicle safety and
cost reduction programs across a wide spectrum of applications, from
sales/executive training to SUV, truck, pickup and van drivers and plant
safety. Top Driver's programs are available on a range of formats including
classroom, in-vehicle, CD ROM/video self instruction; online instruction,
testing, evaluation and reporting will soon be available. Last year, Top
Driver trained over 500,000 customers through its network of over 230 retail
locations and corporate clients. Through its partnership with the Ford Motor
Company, MetLife Auto and Home and other major corporations, Top Driver offers
its customers additional values that maximize spending power and enhance the
fun and excitement of the driving experience. Look to Top Driver for continued
innovation in driver training, added value for its customers and expansion in
the future. For more information call 888-TOP-DRIVER.

    Top Driver. We Value Your Safety.