Autobytel Inc. Sponsors MADD's 'Strides for Change' Walk

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 13 -- Autobytel is broadening its safe-driving mission as the exclusive sponsor of the Safety Fair at MADD's (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) inaugural Orange County/L.A. chapter Strides for Change 5K walk. Autobytel shares MADD's goal of safer communities and saved lives, and will be introducing its "Take the Pledge to Slow Down" safe driving campaign to MADD's supporters. Strides for Change has a fundraising goal of $100,000. The non-competitive event will be held at the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, CA on October 23rd, 2004, and is expected to draw thousands of participants and supporters from throughout Southern California.

"Drunk driving is still the nation's most frequently committed violent crime and Orange County/Los Angeles feels this pain daily," said Reidel Post, MADD Orange County executive director. "We're truly grateful for Autobytel's support of MADD's mission. Through its sponsorship of Strides for Change, Autobytel is making the roadways safer for everyone."

As part of the event, the "Autobytel Safety Fair" will provide participants and supporters with a range of free safety services, including earthquake safety, massages, and a disaster preparedness puppet show, in addition to food, entertainment and arts vendors. At Autobytel's Take the Pledge to Slow Down booth, which anchors the Safety Fair, Halloween "celebrities" will distribute free reflective trick or treat bags designed to keep kids visible and safe on what is traditionally one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Free pledge certificates, window stickers and decals will also be available at the Autobytel booth.

Ceremonies begin at 8:40 am, and the walk starts at 9:00. People interested in supporting this worthy cause can log onto www.stridesforchange.com to learn how to start a fundraising team, register as a 'virtual walker,' or simply make a donation.

Autobytel's Strides for Change sponsorship is part of its ongoing efforts to promote safe driving, centered around its Take the Pledge to Slow Down campaign, which MADD supports.

"MADD and Autobytel fight the same battle to help reduce fatalities and injuries caused by unsafe driving," said Autobytel President and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "We're proud to support such a critical, life-saving cause and looking forward to a fun, successful Strides for Change event."

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 taps into 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. offers a comprehensive Take the Pledge to Slow Down area on three of its 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 streets and saved lives.

About MADD

MADD is the premiere organization working to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501 (c) 3 charity with 600 chapters and 2 million members nationwide. Nearly 270,000 lives have been saved since MADD's founding in 1980. For more information, visit www.madd.org or call 1-800-GET-MADD. Anyone can sign up to walk, become a virtual walker from anywhere, 24 hours a day, or make a charitable donation to help support Strides for Change by logging onto www.stridesforchange.com.