Automotive News

The National Safety Council has selected the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler to receive the Council's 2004 Green Cross for Safety Medal in recognition of its vehicle safety innovations, support and sponsorship of public safety initiatives and its leadership in employee safety and health. As the only automotive manufacturer to receive this award, Chrysler Group will be the fifth recipient of the National Safety Council's Green Cross for Safety Medal. The award recognizes distinguished contributions over a period of years for outstanding achievements in safety and health, community service, and responsible citizenship. "This award is an honor that is especially gratifying because it comes from the National Safety Council, an important organization dedicated to the things we stand for as a company," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. DaimlerChrysler has a long track record of developing innovative vehicle designs and safety features: In the 1980s, Chrysler was the first automaker to introduce minivans - a new class of vehicles that provides safety and security for families In 1990, Chrysler was the first automaker to make a driver-side air bag standard on every U.S.- built car, and in 1991 it followed with the first integrated child seat in a vehicle. In 2000, DaimlerChrysler launched a public awareness campaign that describes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and emphasizes the continued need for parents to get child safety seats inspected. Since September 2002, the child seat anchorage system has been available on all DaimlerChrysler vehicles. DaimlerChrysler was among the first automakers to introduce side curtain air bags that cover three rows of seating in the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2004 Dodge Durango. "The National Safety Council also recognizes DaimlerChrysler's long history of supporting issues to educate the motoring public, change behavior and help reduce risks," McMillan said. These DaimlerChrysler initiatives include: Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign - since 1996, this program has been instrumental in increasing the national seat belt use from 61% in 1996 to 79% today. The program also has educated consumers on air bag safety, contributing to a 94% reduction since 1996 in the child fatality rate associated with air bag deployment. Road Ready Teens - provides parents of teenagers learning to drive or new teen drivers with tips and tools to ease their teens into the driving process. SEATCHECK - The first nationwide toll-free hotline service dedicated exclusively to helping parents find a local car seat inspection resource. Fit for a Kid - Participating Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealers provide families with a child safety seat inspection at no charge, no matter what type of vehicle they are driving. The Back is Where It's At - program emphasizes the importance of keeping children in the back seat. Stop Red Light Running - educates drivers on the number of injuries and deaths related to running red lights. The Neon Drunk Driver Simulator - targets high school students in more than 2,000 high schools to educate teens on the negative effects of drinking and driving. Mother's Day Programs - DaimlerChrysler has donated car safety seats to hospitals serving Hispanic women in various cities in honor of Mother's Day.
Automotive News