Autobytel Gears Up for National ``Take the Pledge to Slow Down'' Day

IRVINE, Calif.--Aug. 2, 20038, 2003--

Date Set for September 24th; Ready-to-Print Take the Pledge(TM) Signs and Certificates Available on Web Site to Help Grassroots Activists Prepare for Local Rallies

-- WHAT: Government and safety officials are asking drivers to observe the speed limit on neighborhood streets on September 24th in observance of Take the Pledge to Slow Down Day. In anticipation of this first-ever event, Take the Pledge to Slow Down sponsor Autobytel Inc. is providing a Take the Pledge rally "starter kit" on its popular car-buying sites. This new resource, a part of the company's efforts to coordinate local Take the Pledge rallies nationwide on September 24th, includes step-by-step tips for organizing a successful rally, as well as free, downloadable files that make it easy for local organizers to print their own Take the Pledge signs and materials.

-- MORE "WHAT": On September 24th, Autobytel kicks off a month-long drive on Take the Pledge to Slow Down Day to recruit as many "Pledge-takers" as possible. Autobytel will fund a $5,000 community safety initiative for the activist delivering the most Take the Pledge online participants by October 24th (a week before Halloween, one of the most dangerous nights of the year for child pedestrians).

-- WHY: The purpose of Take the Pledge to Slow Down Day (and the rallies and drive supporting it) is to inspire drivers nationwide to sign a formal commitment ("the Pledge") to drive safely and courteously on neighborhood streets. With a strong call for personal responsibility on the road, Take the Pledge provides drivers and concerned citizens with a key to improve the safety and, thereby, the quality of life in America's neighborhoods.

-- WHERE: The new Take the Pledge rally "starter kit" is available at www.autobytel.com, www.carsmart.com and www.autoweb.com, where activists will also soon be able to officially register for the $5,000 safety drive. Grassroots activists are already taking advantage of this resource to begin planning events in states nationwide, including New York, California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, North Carolina and Virginia.

About Take the Pledge to Slow Down

Founded to combat speeding on neighborhood streets, Take the Pledge to Slow Down is a grassroots movement that depends on the power of individual activists across the country -- coupled with the power of the Internet -- to encourage drivers to take personal responsibility for their driving. Autobytel Inc., the official sponsor of Take the Pledge, offers a comprehensive Take the Pledge area on its three consumer websites (www.autobytel.com, www.autoweb.com and www.carsmart.com), where concerned citizens can Take the Pledge; access safe driving tips; find information and links; download Take the Pledge materials -- and join Autobytel's fight for safer neighborhood streets and saved lives.