LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Feb. 7, 2005) – Automobile collisions continue to be the number one killer of America’s youth, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In fact, the agency’s Traffic Safety Facts 2003, Young Drivers report (NHTSA 2003 report) states that there were 7,884 young drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal motor vehicle collisions in 2003. Driver’s Edge, a non-profit organization, is working to combat these statistics head on by offering free classroom and behind-the-wheel driving instruction in select cities across the United States.

“According to the follow-up we conduct with our students, Driver’s Edge is making a difference and helping save the lives of America’s youth,” said Jeff Payne, president, CEO and founder of Driver’s Edge. “It’s unfortunate that we live in a country where people are not really taught how to drive. They are merely taught how to pass a test. Learning the basic fundamentals of how to operate a vehicle is not going to prepare a young driver for the real world driving hazards they will face every day.”

Driver’s Edge was specifically developed to help address the unacceptably high number of youth-related automobile collisions and fatalities that occur annually throughout the United States. The nationally recognized program, taught by professional racecar drivers and performance driving instructors, will travel to 13 U.S. cities in 2005, including first-time visits to Denver, Colo., and Seattle, Wash. The third Driver’s Edge National Tour kicks off March 5, 2005 in Los Angeles.

“The NHTSA 2003 report highlights a staggering statistic: while young drivers make up only 6.4 percent of total drivers, they account for 18 percent of all collisions,” said Mark A. Emkes, chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., which is sponsoring Driver’s Edge for the third consecutive year. “For this reason, educating this group in proper driving techniques is extremely important. We feel this is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in youth driving safety and we proudly support Driver’s Edge.”

To date, more than 10,000 young drivers and their parents have attended a free, half-day Driver’s Edge program. “Although a comparable instructional driving program would cost approximately $450, Driver’s Edge is offered for free in order to provide this opportunity to all young drivers, regardless of social or economic background,” said Steven Tepper, chief operating officer of Driver’s Edge.

The program is typically offered twice a day, with each session educating approximately 75 to 100 students. The students’ parents are encouraged to attend and observe as well. After attending a program, Driver’s Edge contacts each student at six, 12 and 24 month intervals to monitor driving experience following course completion.

The program includes the following elements:

Driver’s Edge events will be offered in the following cities this year: Chicago, Ill.; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Las Vegas, Nev. (the program’s home city); Los Angeles, Calif.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Reno, Nev.; Seattle, Wash.; Washington, D.C.; and a yet to be determined city in the northern California area.

Young drivers, aged 15 to 21, possessing a valid learner’s permit or license must register in advance for the program either by phone at 1-877-633-EDGE (3343), or online at www.driversedge.org.