SF 49ers Coach Mike Singletary Helps Midas Kick off "Alive at 25" Teen Driving Program

SAN FRANCISCO - March 19, 2010: Midas Inc., a leader in automotive services, has joined forces with the National Safety Council and San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary to kick-off a statewide initiative to help parents protect teen drivers. To celebrate the partnership, Midas is hosting Customer Appreciation Day at participating shops in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday, March 27 to recognize more than 50 years of serving the California community and to demonstrate its commitment to safe teen driving. Singletary, and his teen children, will be on-site at two Midas shops located at 165 South Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco (1 p.m.) and 1236 White Oaks Road in Campbell (3 p.m.) to help celebrate Appreciation Day, as well as support the National Safety Council “Alive at 25” teen driving program. Featuring a number of in-store activities, the events will help parents and teen drivers become aware of the many driving hazards facing young motorists and also educate them on the value of maintaining safe vehicles.

“At Midas, we’re committed to curbing this tragic trend.”

“I’m proud to be associated with such an established company such as Midas,” said Singletary. “And I’m excited about helping teen drivers in San Francisco. As a father of teenagers, I know how important this issue is. This campaign can and will help save lives.”

As part of their teen driving initiative, Bay Area Midas shops will donate $5 from every service performed on Customer Appreciation Day to the National Safety Council. In addition, local shops will offer free food, drinks and a raffle for autographed footballs and San Francisco 49ers football tickets as part of the festivities.

“ALIVE at 25” Online Parent Program

The National Safety Council “Alive at 25” Parent Program identifies the risks teen drivers face and helps parents reinforce basic driving skills and good decision making to help teens become safe, responsible and defensive drivers. This interactive, online course (www.midas.com/aliveat25) typically costs $25, but as part of its Customer Appreciation Day, Midas is providing it free of charge for parents while supplies last.

In addition, beginning in May, Midas will host a series of teen safe driving clinics at local shops. According to Phil Hultquist, Midas regional manager, Midas plans to host a number of these driving clinics throughout California over the summer.

“Recent studies by the National Safety Council show that teen driving crashes account for up to 44 percent of all teen deaths, making it the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States,” said Hultquist. “At Midas, we’re committed to curbing this tragic trend.”

“The NSC ‘Alive at 25’ program helps parents understand the most common hazards new drivers face behind the wheel and what steps they can take to protect their teens,” said Jim Boyle, director of the California Chapter of the National Safety Council. “NSC is proud to partner with Midas and Mike Singletary on this issue.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.