FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2004

AutoCheck announces its Safe Teen Drivers Program will now comprise of a "step-by-step" 52-week curriculum of email tips for parents with teen drivers. This focus of the AutoCheck Safe Teen Drivers Program, which provides parents online safe driving information to share with their first time drivers, aligns with the typical length of the drivers permit stage. AutoCheck research reveals parents need to stay involved in instructing their teens to drive throughout the 52-week permit stage as well as beyond that period.

A National Crisis

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirms that car crashes are the number one killer of U.S. teens. Every day, 21 teens die and 1,500 more are injured in car crashes. Inexperience leading to driver error is the major cause of these fatal wrecks. The ultimate purpose of the AutoCheck Safe Teen Drivers Program is to help reduce fatal car crashes among teens.

A recent study by AutoCheck looked at how teens learn to drive. The survey revealed that parents are the primary instructors of 40 percent of first-time drivers. That number may increase with recent cutbacks in drivers education programs in many U.S. schools. While parents have the driving experience, many find it difficult translating that knowledge into practical instruction.

"I learned to drive many years ago and things have changed since then regarding, for example, hand placement on the steering wheel and mirror positioning," said Michelle Sanchez, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and mother of teen Jessica Sanchez. "They have updated so many rules, I probably did place (Jessica) at a disadvantage."

"In our research, a lot of parents expressed a need for better resources for coaching their teens," explains Dick Raines, president of AutoCheck and father of three teenager boys. "AutoCheck is rising up to the challenge by providing parents nuggets of information to use during that teachable moment when in the car with their teen. Until we launched this program, parents of first-time drivers have had no central place to go for information on how to teach their teens to drive."

Dealers Extend the Reach

AutoCheck wants to help lower teen car crash fatalities by reaching out to families with new teen drivers. AutoCheck research also has indicated car dealers are interested in helping parents put their teens in safe and reliable cars, and to drive those cars safely. Many dealers that subscribe to AutoCheck are beginning to share information about the AutoCheck Safe Teen Drivers Program with their customers.
"At Fairfax Hyundai, we understand the dangers of teens behind the wheel, which is why we couldn't say no to participating," said Kenny Roberts, Used Car Manager, Fairfax Hyundai, Fairfax, Va. "We are selling parents and their teens reliable cars, but are taking our relationship a step further by offering parents safe driving tips from AutoCheck. We feel great about giving out information that can make an impact on a community issue."

From AutoCheck to Parents to Teens

The AutoCheck Safe Teen Drivers Program Weekly Tips consist of seven chapters ranging from how to develop a driving plan to how to buy a safe, reliable car appropriate for a new driver. These tips include quizzes that parents can forward to their teens to gauge knowledge and retention of the safe driving information. Periodic special editions are also part of the program and address occasions or peak seasons for teen vehicle fatalities such as holidays, prom, and graduation times.
"Our point is that parents should not rush to put their teen behind the wheel," Raines said. "Parents can stay involved not only by putting their teens in safe cars but also by continuing to find and provide teens with safe-driving information."
AutoCheck offers Safe Teen Driving information via www.cccvette.com/vehicle_history/ , email, media, partners, and dealers. The new program is available to parents free-of-charge.

ABOUT AutoCheck

AutoCheck, the leader in vehicle history services, hosts a Safe Teen Driver Program at www.cccvette.com/vehicle_history/ . The AutoCheck Safe Teen Driver Program provides key information to parents and teens on safe driving tools and techniques. AutoCheck also helps parents and teens make informed buying decisions about used cars through its Vehicle History Reports - available through www.cccvette.com/vehicle_history/ and car dealers. AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports provide an instant background check on any used car, and help consumers and dealers avoid used cars with costly hidden problems, including major accident and salvage history, odometer fraud, flood damage and more. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, AutoCheck has been providing the truth about used cars since 1984 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Company.