Nearly six in 10 (56 percent) respondents have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year, however, many participate in behaviors that take their attention away from the road with the most common activity being petting their dog (52 percent). Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) have used their hands or arms to hold their dog in place while applying brakes, and 19 percent have used their hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat—creating a situation where they remove at least one hand from the steering wheel.

Other distracting behaviors drivers admitted to include reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 percent), allowing their dog to sit in their lap or holding their dog (17 percent), giving food or treats (13 percent) and 3 percent have taken a photo of their dog while driving. These behaviors can distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.

Eighty-three percent of respondents acknowledge that an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be dangerous, but only 16 percent currently use a pet restraint. However, use of a restraint is three times greater among drivers who have heard of situations where unrestrained dogs were injured or caused injury to other passengers in a car crash (32 percent) compared to respondents who were not aware of such a situation and still use a restraint (9 percent). Using a pet restraint, such as those available from Kurgo, can aid in limiting distractions and help protect pets and passengers.

“Drivers should use a pet restraint system for your dog every time their pet is in the vehicle,” said Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National, Traffic Safety Programs manager. “A restraint like those offered by Kurgo will not only limit distractions, but also protect you, your pet and other passengers in the event of a crash or sudden stop.”

More than two in five (42 percent) respondents stated they do not use a pet restraint because their dog is calm and they do not think he/she needs a restraint. However, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog in the event of a crash or sudden stop—a danger for all passengers as well as the pet.

“An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path,” said Huebner-Davidson.

Other reasons cited for not using a restraint include: never considered it (39 percent); just take dog on short trips (29 percent); and 12 percent want their dog to be able to put its head out the window.

Eighteen percent of respondents who drive with a dog in the vehicle also have children under the age of 13 who ride with them. Seven in 10 of these motorists have driven with a child and an unrestrained dog in the vehicle at the same time.

A variety of reasonably priced products are available to keep pets safe and help dog owners reduce potential distractions caused by pets while driving. There have been many recent innovations in this market from Kurgo and others to make these products more comfortable for the dog and convenient to use for the owner. AAA recommends owners use a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet—even short trips close to home.

Fans of AAA’s page on Facebook (Facebook.com/AAAfanpage) can enter the AAA/Kurgo “Tails from the Road” photo contest for a chance to win a pet travel package including Kurgo pet gear, a copy of Traveling with your Pet: The AAA PetBook and a Best Western Travel Card® usable at more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties worldwide. To enter, dog owners can upload a photo of their furry friend that depicts the excitement their dog shows prior to getting ready to take a ride in a vehicle. Entries must be received by August 7.

Source AAA

Harley-Davidson will select four women to win the “Ultimate Learn-To-Ride Experience,” a prize package that includes a brand new 2012 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that they can design themselves via Harley-Davidson’s new H-D1™ factory customization system, as well as $1,000 in new Harley-Davidson MotorClothes apparel. In addition, the four winners can each pick a friend to accompany them on an all-expense-paid trip to Milwaukee, Wis., home of Harley-Davidson, where they will learn to ride a motorcycle through Harley-Davidson’s Riders Edge New Rider Course and explore Harley-Davidson’s home turf including tours of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Powertrain Operations. Women can enter the contest at www.h-d.com/mytime.

“We’re excited to help inspire more women to fulfill their dream of learning to ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said Claudia Garber, Director of Marketing Outreach at Harley-Davidson. “The ‘Ultimate Learn-To-Ride Experience’ contest is one aspect of many exciting things Harley-Davidson is doing to encourage more women to get started on their riding journeys.”

The “Ultimate Learn-To-Ride Experience” contest runs through July 20, 2011. For more information about the contest and to enter to win, visit www.h-d.com/mytime.

Source Harley-Davidson Motor Company

To enter, participants may visit http://www.facebook.com/AutoTraderClassics and click on the “Fast Five Sweepstakes” icon in the “Contests” section of the page, located in the middle right.  Contest participants may then “Like” AutoTraderClassics.com and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Hollywood for the Fast Five getaway.  The contest is open to both current and new fans of the AutoTraderClassics.com’s Facebook page.  Prize details include two round-trip airfare tickets to Los Angeles, a three-night stay at a Universal City hotel, two “Front of the Line” tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood to see the cars of The Fast and the Furious series, Hollywood-style transportation to and from Los Angeles International Airport, a Fast Five prize pack and $500 in cash for expenses.

AutoTraderClassics.com launched the sweepstakes in support of Fast Five on Friday, April 1, and the contest will continue until Tuesday, May 31, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.  The winner will be selected at random by AutoTraderClassics.com and will be notified shortly after the contest concludes.  To read the full official contest rules, click on the “See the official rules” button on the contest page.  (http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/104563/rules?ogn=facebook).

“We’re excited to be partnering with Universal Pictures and helping one lucky Fast Five fan win a dream trip through AutoTraderClassics.com,” said Melanie Kovach, general manager of AutoTraderClassics.com.  

Source AutoTrader

Between March 31 and November 14, 2011, fans who “like” the Copart Racing Facebook page can enter to win the “Copart Racing Ultimate VIP Experience.” This grand prize sweepstakes offers an all expenses paid trip for two to the Las Vegas 2012 SummitRacing.com National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals, including first-class airfare and private hotel transportation to and from the Las Vegas airport.

The grand prize winner will also get the chance to test their driving skills in a race against Copart Top Fuel Driver Brandon Bernstein, or six-time NHRA champion and the “King of Speed” Kenny Bernstein, in the official vehicle of the NHRA.

The winning contestant will also experience:

• A 5-night stay at a luxurious resort and casino on the Vegas strip and receive $3,500 in spending cash
• Two free tickets to all 3-days of the Las Vegas 2012 SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals with limousine transportation to and from the race event
• An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the track with the NHRA
• VIP access to the Copart Hospitality area and passes to the Pit, including an autograph and photo session with Brandon and Kenny Bernstein
• Watching their name speed down the drag strip on the side of the Copart Top Fuel Dragster

“The Kenny Bernstein Racing brand is among the preeminent brands in motorsports and a tremendous friend and partner to Copart.  Through this initiative, we are leveraging our relationship with the Bernsteins to elevate the profile of the Copart brand while also rewarding one of our Facebook fans with an incredible, once-in-a lifetime opportunity,” said Jay Adair, CEO, Copart, Inc.  “Engaging in this social media promotion will also allow Copart to heighten its digital presence and continue to grow and create new relationships and opportunities with car and racing enthusiasts.”

Throughout the racing season, all sweepstakes participants will receive multiple chances to win additional prizes, including autographed merchandise, die cast collectibles, plasma TVs and more.  Fans can also enter to win by visiting Copart’s midway display at select NHRA races throughout the season.  

To be eligible to win the Copart Racing Ultimate VIP Experience, start liking the Copart Racing Facebook page today. Registration forms will be available on a separate Facebook tab after March 31.

Source Copart, Inc.

 Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced a $250,000 donation from The Harley-Davidson Foundation to support relief efforts following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Harley-Davidson Foundation’s contribution to the American Red Cross will aid in the overall disaster relief efforts.

“Our hearts go out to all the people in Japan who have been impacted by these tragic events,” said Foundation President Gail Lione. “It is important to all of us at Harley-Davidson to support the relief efforts and help the country through this devastating time.”  

In addition, the company’s Harley-Davidson Japan subsidiary has established a local relief fund and has been sending food, water, and other necessities to the devastated areas. The Company also has the link to the Red Cross Web site (www.redcross.org) posted on its websites for employees, customers and others interested in making a donation.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization supporting the communities in which the Company has facilities.

Source Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Anyone with a digital OnStar-equipped vehicle — regardless of whether they are a current OnStar subscriber — can enter to win by pressing the blue OnStar button in their vehicle now through May 31.*

“More than 6 million customers currently take advantage of OnStar’s advanced technology while they’re on the road,” said Terry Inch, director of subscriber services. “Yet there are many more drivers out there who may not realize all the services OnStar offers, like having access to a live advisor at the push of a button or getting monthly emails with key information specific to their vehicle that can help them save money.”    

From a Corvette ZR1 to a Buick Regal or anything in between, sweepstakes winners can select any Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle with any combination of factory-installed options. The only exception is the limited-production Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability.

OnStar is perhaps best known for its Automatic Crash Response feature which, in the event of a collision, uses sensors built into the vehicle to automatically alert an OnStar Advisor. The advisor can then immediately connect into the vehicle to see if help is needed. Even if the occupant is hurt and can’t respond, the advisor knows the vehicle’s exact location through GPS technology and can direct emergency responders to the scene.  

Over the past 15 years, OnStar Advisors have answered 346 million button pushes, responded to more than 160,000 vehicle crashes, unlocked more than 5 million doors remotely, provided 2.6 million subscribers with roadside assistance and routed customers’ turn by turn to their destination more than 70 million times.

“The ‘Push On’ sweepstakes is our way to remind drivers with OnStar in their vehicles, just how powerful the system is, yet so easy to use,” said Sam Mancuso, OnStar chief marketing officer. “Just push a button and you’re connected.”  

To learn more about OnStar’s Push On sweepstakes and for entry details, visit www.onstar.com.

Source General Motors

Beginning March 7, 2011, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can apply online through Toyota’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/toyota for a chance to win a Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, or Sienna Mobility. A six-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle awarded. Applications submitted by March 21, 2011 will be reduced to 500 finalist organizations that will be in the running to win a vehicle. These final organizations will be selected by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. Finalists can submit videos, create their own online profiles and rally their friends and supporters to encourage voting for their organization.

Public voting begins on May 9 and will take place for 100 consecutive days. Each day, five organizations will be profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page and voters may vote for the charity they feel is most deserving of the vehicle. A vehicle will be awarded each day through August 16 for a total of 100 vehicles. Voters may place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program.

100 Cars for Good is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations will be awarded.  “Over the past two decades, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the United States, and now 100 Cars for Good will put the public in the driver’s seat for one of our philanthropic efforts,” said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We wanted to engage the community and the supporters of thousands of worthy organizations in this process — allowing their voices to be heard as we award 100 vehicles based on their votes.”

Source PRNewswire