CarMax Issues "Drivers Edge" a $100,000 Grant

According to the CarMax press release, the CarMax Foundation has given Driver's Edge a $100,000 grant for its national young driver education program.

Driver's Edge is solely funded by charitable donations, public grants and corporate sponsorships. With all the donations that are given to Driver's Edge, this gives young people the opportunity to learn the dangers regarding driving free of charge.

Part of the education program that Driver's Edge offers is free behind the wheel defensive driving and collision avoidance. The program also teaches young drivers car care and emphasis the importance of seat belt safety as well as educating them on the serious consequences that occur when young drivers drive under the influence.

The founder and president of Driver's Edge, Jeff Payne stated in the press release that "the grant from the CarMax Foundation will help our organization continue to provide young drivers with potentially life saving education", Payne went on to add " Our program is designed to teach young drivers better skills and driving behavior. We believe it is essential to provide young drivers with a hands on approach to safety and collision avoidance techniques in order to better prepare them for the real life driving conditions they will face everyday".

On April 14, 2007, the Driver's Edge National Tour started in San Diego, California and will continue all across the country until October. To date, it is estimated that over 35,000 young men and women have participated in the free half day programs. To learn more about the Driver's Edge programs and what town they will be in, please visit the Driver's Edge website HERE.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, automobile accidents take the lives of more teens that drugs, guns and violent crimes all combined. It is also stated that young drivers are more likely to be in a fatal accident than older drivers. In 2005 alone, over 5,000 children between the ages of 16-20 were killed in an automobile accident.