GEICO's Joe Thomas Named Chairman of Drive Smart Virginia

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., May 4, 2005 -- Joe Thomas, GEICO's regional vice president in Virginia Beach, has been named chairman of Drive Smart Virginia at the group's recent board meeting.

Mr. Thomas will head the organization's decade-long efforts to improve traffic safety in the state. Drive Smart Virginia was founded in 1995 by several insurance companies including GEICO to begin a private-public partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

"I am honored to be named to this position with Drive Smart Virginia," said Thomas. "The insurers in this state have worked diligently on highway safety projects to improve Virginia roadways. Together with our friends and supporters in local, state and federal agencies, there is so much we can accomplish for the people of Virginia."

Thomas indicated that Drive Smart Virginia is focused on such programs as educating drivers about the "no zone" related to trucks, additional enforcement of state laws to get all Virginia children buckled up and its "Smart, Safe & Sober" driving program. More information may be found at http://www.drivesmartva.com/.

Thomas has served with Drive Smart Virginia since 2002. He has held a number of different positions with the group and most recently served as vice chairman.

Thomas takes over during a particularly busy traffic safety season with the following events coming up in May:

  *  National Bike Month
  *  Motorcycle Safety Month
  *  May 9-15            National Transportation Week
  *  May 24-June 6       Click It or Ticket mobilization
  *  May 24-31           Buckle Up America Week and Memorial Day, the
                         unofficial start of the summer driving season

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 6 million policyholders and insures more than 10 million vehicles. GEICO uses television, radio, print media and direct mail to attract customers to call its 1-800-841-3000 number and to its http://www.geico.com/ Web site, and keeps its rates low by dealing directly with the customer. GEICO offers sales and claim services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com/.