Jeff Payne & Driver’s Edge Offer The Gift Of LifeVote for Payne and teen driving program in Volvo for Life Awards

NASHVILLE,TN (Dec. 20, 2007) – Jeff Payne has a passion for saving lives and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

Payne recognized that too many young people were dying behind the wheel of a motor vehicle because of poor instruction and inexperience. He vowed to change that. With guts, determination and a strong vision he created a hands-on driving instruction program that has changed the way people look at driver’s training and has equipped thousands of students across America with life-saving driving skills.  Just five years after launching his innovative teen driving program Driver’s Edge, Payne is now a contender in the Volvo for Life Awards (www.volvoforlifeawards.com).

 “Jeff has put together a very effective program that isn’t designed to teach young drivers to just pass a test, but instead to truly equip them with the skills they need to be safer on the road,” said Phil Pacsi, Vice President, Consumer Tire Marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. “From the time we started working with Jeff to offer his teen driving program in tandem with our dealer events, we have been amazed at his tireless energy and enthusiasm to educate teen drivers. We’re eager to see Jeff take his program to the next level so that even more young drivers can benefit from the Driver’s Edge experience,” Pacsi continued.

Payne and the Driver’s Edge were recently nominated as semi-finalists in the 6th Annual Volvo for Life Awards — an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes across America in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. Payne was chosen from thousands of entries to be one of 10 semi-finalists in the Safety category. Finalists will now be determined by a public vote, with those getting the most number of votes moving on to the finals. The top finalist in each of the three categories will then be chosen by a panel of distinguished judges, and the winner will receive a $100,000 donation for his or her organization. The top winner will also receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.

Now through Jan. 7, 2008, the public can visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to cast their vote.

For more information on the Driver’s Edge program and upcoming tour stops, please visit www.driversedge.org.