This Labor Day -- Take the Test, Avoid the Crash; American Drivers Get Chance to Test Safe Driving Skills During National Broadcast 8/20/2003
From: Alyce Alpern, 850-222-1996 TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 20 -- About nine days from now, according to a National Safety Council estimate, approximately 488 people will die and another 25,400 people will suffer injuries in motor vehicle crashes, according to "Drive for Life: The National Safe Driving Test." Many of those crashes could be avoided. Heading into this Labor Day weekend, one of the deadliest of the year, millions of Americans will get an opportunity to improve their safe driving skills through a unique, nationwide television broadcast. "Drive for Life: The National Safe Driving Test" - the centerpiece of one of the most ambitious driver safety initiatives ever undertaken - will allow drivers across America to take an entertaining multiple choice test that pits their driving know-how against common road hazards and situations. The broadcast will premiere on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., Eastern and Pacific Time and 6 p.m. Central and Mountain Time, on the PAX TV network. Drive for Life is an initiative of AAA, Volvo Cars of North America, Partners for Highway Safety and the National Association of Police Organizations. The National Safe Driving Test was created in response to the findings of a national Drive for Life poll that showed that while many believe engineering advances can make new cars and roads safer, most drivers will readily admit to some reckless driving behavior. In fact, nine out of 10 drivers polled admitted to recent risky driving behavior. They said they eat, talk on the telephone, groom themselves, and even read while driving. "We need look only as far as the car stuck in traffic next to ours - or even just look in the mirror - to decide whether we agree that drivers today are safety risks," said executive producer Ron Sachs. "And, sadly, a number of car crashes recently highlighted in the media also are wake-up calls ... for drivers of all ages." In response to such news reports, polls, and last year's staggering highway death toll - the highest in a decade - the Drive for Life partners created this 30-minute television special designed to help reverse the trend. "We can engineer safer cars and highways," said Vic Doolan, president of Volvo cars of North America. "And we can educate ourselves to be safer drivers." Hosted by FOX Sports anchor Chris Myers and co-hosted by Indy Racing League star Greg Ray, the program aims to engagingly raise the level of awareness of drivers of all ages and ability. "This television special provides an effective way to reach drivers with lifesaving messages," said Susan Pikrallidas, AAA Vice President of Public Affairs. "Testing our driving knowledge in a fun, non-threatening format could turn us all into safe drivers. " "Drive for Life: The National Safe Driving Test" puts viewers behind the wheel and asks them to make key safe driving decisions. It encourages the elderly driver, the young driver and drivers in the middle to learn together to avoid the simple mistakes that can lead to tragedy. And advocates note it's not only the very young and the very old who need such a refresher course. It's everyone else in between, too - especially the 26-44 age group leading such busy lives and who were found by the national survey to admit to the greatest tendency to drive while distracted. "This program is airing over a weekend when many drivers should exercise even greater care and caution than normal," said Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff Ken Jenne, who also is supporting the initiative. "I would encourage families and individuals to watch. This half hour could save a life." "Drive for Life: The National Safe Driving Test" was produced by Ron Sachs Communications Inc., the Southeast's leading independent producer of public purpose and safety television programming. Mason-Dixon Polling and Research conducted the national survey in May for Drive for Life and the full results can be viewed online at www.safedrivingtest.com. Sample questions of the type used in the broadcast and additional information may also be viewed at the Web site. PAX TV reaches 86 percent of U.S. television households via nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. The National Safe Driving Test also will be made available to other cable and broadcast stations and will be distributed to the nation's high schools for use in driver education programs. Watch: Drive for Life: The National Safe Driving Test 7 p.m., Eastern and Pacific Time 6 p.m., Central and Mountain Time August 30 On the PAX Television Network For specifics on the PAX television or cable broadcast in your area go to http://www.pax.tv/stations/list.cfm |