Public Affairs Committee (PAC)

Mission Statement: To promote consumer awareness of existing and new safety technologies; share best practices regarding public awareness initiatives; network to address media requests; work as a team regarding mutually beneficial initiatives through the development of materials and programs to inform, educate and promote the automotive occupant safety industry with the media, the general public, regulatory agencies and legislative bodies.

2004 Accomplishments:

• A video news release promoting side impact crash protection and head protection for children, in partnership with “Parenting and Beyond”, funding provided by Autoliv.
• Developed and distributed the article, “Protecting Yourself from those Big SUV’s and Trucks”, promoting the use of side head air bags. The article to date has appeared in 412 newspapers in 23 different states, with a readership of 35,527,488.
• Participated in Ford’s Fleet Show to reach fleet buyers regarding the need to order their vehicles with side head air bags.
• Revised and updated the “Questions and Answers About Air Bags” brochure distributed to AORC member companies, pediatricians’ practices and general public.

2005 Plans and Programs:

• In conjunction with Autoliv and NASCAR racing legend Ernie Irvan, the “Race-2-Safety” organization will promote Brain Injury Awareness and the use of side head protecting air bags. The organization will leverage NASCAR’s large audience to reach the general public through participation in “Charity Walks” at designated NASCAR tracks during the 2005 race schedule. The August event, titled “L.A.P.S.” (Leadership Awareness to Promote Safety), is expected to include over 10,000 participants and should generate tremendous media attention. The event will be the pilot of a series of awareness walks at numerous tracks during the 2006 and 2007 calendar years.
• Participation in the Ford Fleet Show in Las Vegas, July 24th to promote the installation of side curtain air bags. It is estimated that the Ford Fleet meeting entertains fleet buyers that make up 30% of Ford sales.
• Airing of the Public Service Announcement produced in conjunction with Autoliv and the Brain Injury Association of America over the last two years. These PSA’s will be broadcast across North America. In the top 10 Direct Marketing Areas.