Autobytel's Take the Pledge to Slow Down Asks Nation's Traffic Judges to Join the Fight for Safer Neighborhood Streets

Judges Encouraged to Order Traffic Offenders to 'Take the Pledge to Slow Down' and Observe Neighborhood Speed Limits

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 30 -- Autobytel Inc.'s Take the Pledge to Slow Down safe-driving campaign is asking America's traffic judges to join its fight for safer neighborhood streets by ordering traffic violators sentenced in their courtrooms to sign a personal contract ("the Pledge") to observe neighborhood speed limits. To this end, the company is providing free "Take the Pledge" contracts to traffic courts nationwide that are interested in using them to help raise drivers' awareness on the road, and reduce speeding-related injuries and fatalities.

"Take the Pledge to Slow Down is based on the belief that change has to begin with drivers," said Autobytel Inc. President and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "The courtroom is a perfect place to connect with speeders at a moment of reflection. We want to help judges inspire these drivers to do the right thing -- before a real tragedy occurs."

The initiative was inspired by North Carolina District Court Judge Hugh Lewis, who first began handing out "Take the Pledge" certificates to traffic violators in his courtroom in 2002. Lewis encouraged violators to sign the certificate on the spot. His court then filed a copy, and the original was given to the signer to take home. "I use the Pledge to help people realize what they're doing, and the dangers involved, before anyone gets hurt," says Judge Lewis. "I especially encourage young people to follow Take the Pledge's message and 'drive like they would in their neighborhood' ... as if their mother or father were looking out the window."

Judge Lewis isn't alone in his use of Take the Pledge to Slow Down to complement more traditional anti-speeding measures. The Charlotte Police Department, for example, also provided its officers with "Take the Pledge" certificates to distribute to traffic violators during their patrols. School officials, safe-driving advocates and government officials nationwide have supported the campaign, including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Put the Brakes on Fatalities, the Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles City Councils, and the California Governor's office.

The courtroom initiative is part of Take the Pledge to Slow Down's mission to get as many drivers as possible nationwide to "Take the Pledge to Slow Down." This month, as part of this mission -- and in anticipation of one of the most dangerous nights of the year for child pedestrians -- Autobytel is offering free reflective 'trick or treat' bags to its web visitors who "take the Pledge" through October 25th. Visitors can "take the Pledge" and request a free bag by logging onto Autobytel.com, Carsmart.com or Autoweb.com and clicking on the "Take the Pledge" button.

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 offers a comprehensive Take the Pledge area on three of its 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.