"The Driving Skills for Life program exemplifies a commitment to safety, not only by Ford Motor Company, but by an entire community," said Jim Graham, community relations manager of Ford Motor Company Fund. "We applaud the Illinois officials, Kate Voegele and teens around the state for making teen safe driving a top priority - we hope other states follow their lead."

The popular artist will reinforce Ford's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) teen safe driving messages leading up to prom season - one of the riskiest driving periods for the riskiest group of drivers. The partnership also is part of DSFL's broader strategy of engaging teens to develop save driving campaigns throughout the country because they are the most effective influencers with other teens.

Illinois state officials are crediting DSFL for helping reduce teen auto fatalities following a dramatic 61 percent reduction in teen auto fatalities thus far in 2008. The State of Illinois also is launching one of the nation's toughest teen safety campaigns - Operation Teen Safe Driving - modeled after DSFL.

Voegele, a spokesperson for RADD, appears in a series of public service announcements about safe driving practices airing over the next several days on Chicago's 103.5 KISS-FM, as well as a video PSA promoting Ford Motor Company Fund's Driving Skills for Life program.

The 21-year-old Interscope Records singer/songwriter also agreed to make a special guest appearance at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's prom on Friday, May 16 at Shedd Aquarium, once she learned about 103.5 KISS-FM's "Show Your School Spirit Contest." IMSA was the winner of KISS-FM's "Show Your School Spirit Contest." Students nominated their schools via text, email and phone to have their prom hosted by 103.5 KISS-FM's Silly Jilly and the Beat Freaks.

"I know prom's can really rock and I am glad to be a part of helping people like myself have an awesome time," Voegele said. "I am doing the PSAs to encourage people my age to stay focused on their future and to try to avoid distractions while driving such as staying off your cell phone."

At the prom, Voegele is recording a special video PSA that encourages teen drivers to learn more about Ford Motor Company Fund's Driving Skills for Life program. In the video, which will appear on www.drivingskillsforlife.com, Voegele encourages teens to avoid distractions such as cell phones and texting while driving. She also suggests they visit the Driving Skills for Life web site.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-olds. In Illinois, 22 teens have lost their lives on roadways this year. With prom and graduation celebrations happening all over the state in the next month, it is a critical time to make teens aware of the safety responsibilities young drivers assume every time they get behind a wheel.

"We are pleased that Kate has joined us in this effort to educate teens about safe driving during prom season," said a spokesperson from IDOT, RADD, Allstate Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund. "It is an exciting time for adolescents and we want it to be a great memory for everyone."

About the Sponsors
The promotion is a collaborative effort among the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety (IDOT), RADD, Allstate Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund.

The Ford Motor Company Fund's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program teaches newly licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs. Visit the website at www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

IDOT provides safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and demonstrate respect for our environment.

RADD is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers celebrities and media partners to create positive attitudes about road safety. www.radd.org

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Teen driving and empowering victims of domestic violence have been priorities for the Foundation since 2005.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents.  With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda.  The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.