AAA Brings NASCAR Driver David Ragan to Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia

Teen Driving Safety Talk

One Month Before National teen Driving Safety Week

AAA Mid-Atlantic is bringing David Ragan, NASCAR driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, to the Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia to deliver a teen driving safety message to students.

Teen drivers are at high risk for crashes - more so than any other age group. Inexperience, immaturity, overconfidence, peer pressure and risky behavior contribute to most teen crashes.

This event is designed to raise awareness among young drivers that while driving can be fun; it can also be dangerous. We hope to instill a better appreciation among these young students of the need for responsible driving. No one is more aware of the need to drive with care and skill than a professional race car driver.

AAA has been instrumental in efforts strengthen teen driving laws across the country and to improve teen driver safety by raising awareness of the severity of the problem, bolstering driver education and improving the licensing process. AAA remains commited to helping teens survive the most dangerous period of their lives and that of their peers: learning to drive.

David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion

At 23 years of age, David Ragan has been racing on a track since age 11, long before he could legally drive. Originally from Unadilla, Ga., Ragan now stands 14th overall in points. He finished the 2007 season as the runner-up for the rookie of the year title, and has been driving the AAA car since October 2006

Ragan is in the Philadelphia area in preparation for the upcoming Sept. 19-21, 2008 NASCAR race weekend in Dover International Speedway.

AAA Mid-AAtlantic

AAA has been representing motorists and travelers for more than 100 years. One in three licensed drivers is a AAA uses motorsports activities to promote teen driving safety among young people. AAA was involved in auto racing at the first indianapolis 500 in 1911, sanctioning and keeping records for the race. This year, AAA Mid- Atlantic is the representing sponsor for the “Camping World RV 400 presented by AAA” NASCAR  Sprint Cup Series Race at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, September 21, 2008 

Urban Youth Racing School

UYRS has been a vital source of support and strength for inner-city children between the ages of 8 - 18 for the past 10 years. With the help of supporters, UYRS will continue to build on its legacy by focusing on their commitment to exposing their youth to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related career opportunities in motorsports and making diversity, education and youth issues a national priority. UYRS students make noticeable improvements in academic achievement. Programs include Build-A-Dream, Team Development and Engine Design. www.uyrs.com