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Do the Buckle Safety Tour Makes Chicago Auto Show Debut

10 February 1999

DaimlerChrysler's Do the Buckle Safety Tour Makes Chicago Auto Show Debut

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 10 -- The "Do the Buckle" safety
tour is making its Chicago Auto Show debut.  The safety tour, featuring a
fleet of Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans, carries safety messages across
the country to kids and adults of all ages.
    (See video at http://www.videonewswire.com/play?video=1998090201 )
    During the Chicago Auto Show, DaimlerChrysler's Do the Buckle
team will demonstrate the importance of vehicle restraint systems through an
interactive display, hands-on exhibits and a MTV style music video.
    The program strives to teach kids that it's "cool" to Do the Buckle
through the Do the Buckle theme song and music video.  The tune and lyrics
play off the '70s hit Do the Hustle, and the dance in the video incorporates
the motion a person makes when they buckle a safety belt.
    "Every hour someone dies in America simply because they didn't wear a
safety belt," said Robert J. Eaton, DaimlerChrysler Chairman.  "Safety belts
are the most effective means of reducing fatalities and serious injuries, and
sadly, many Americans aren't using them.  We work hard to build safe cars,
trucks and minivans, but even the best safety devices will not work if they
are not used correctly."
    Do the Buckle will also be one of the seminars featured at the show's
"Women's Day" on February 16.  DaimlerChrysler will have more than 20 women
representatives from design, engineering, marketing and manufacturing on hand
to meet and talk with auto show attendees.  Other seminars include off-road
driving techniques, vehicle financing, vehicle maintenance and safety.
    The Do the Buckle display is located in the Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep exhibit
area.  The safety team will be available throughout the public days of the
show to demonstrate how vehicle restraint systems work, talk about driver and
occupant safety and present the Do the Buckle music video.
    In the video, Bucky, a lively, animated character, comes to life to
emphasize the importance of safety belts.  The video also features an
introduction by Bill Nye, the star of the weekly Disney production "Bill Nye
the Science Guy," and Eaton.
    A number of safety-minded companies are supporting the campaign, including
safety belt manufacturer Takata, Inc., Continental Teves, a manufacturer of
antilock brake systems, and air bag manufacturer Autoliv.
    Visitors to the Do the Buckle display also can learn about
DaimlerChrysler's other safety programs, including Neon Drunk Driving
Simulator and Stop Red Light Running.
    The Neon Drunk Driving Simulator visits high schools across the United
States to demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving.  Stop Red Light
Running is a program emphasizing that red light running can have the same
deadly consequences as drinking and driving.  All three nationwide campaigns
help fulfill DaimlerChrysler's goal of encouraging safe driving.
    To date the Do the Buckle minivans have traveled more than 200,000 miles
and visited 1,200 locations across the United States.
    If you would like to learn more about Do the Buckle or would like a
minivan to visit a particular venue, call 877-TOBUCKY.