Whether you’re racing in a 750-horsepower Champ Car or just driving to the corner store, being 100% focused on driving is very important. Distracted drivers are responsible for 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes. By taking simple steps to avoid distraction, you can become a part of the solution to a problem that affects everyone. The Hands on the Wheel campaign is a global initiative discouraging many unsafe driving habits, be it texting, street racing or not using a safety belt.

Unsafe driving remains an on-going problem that requires increased public awareness. Despite numerous recent media accounts, an immediate need exists for a concentrated, pro-active outreach initiative to deliver the message about unsafe driving more directly to the people, especially young adults. Champ Car is building an educational platform to deliver the message about the dangers that exist when texting, among other unsafe driving practices, utilizing the best messengers available: Drivers from the Champ Car World Series and Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda.

The Series is working in conjunction with national and international government entities, law enforcement agencies, sponsors and local promoters to advance the program in their cities and states.

All Champ Cars and their team transporters will be displaying this important message whether it’s on the race track and or on the highways of North America

Watch Champ Car races on ABC and the ESPN family of networks to see :30 second Public Service Announcements.

Pledge to keep your Hands on the Wheel while driving and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

A high school Hands on the Wheel Day kit will be developed and available soon for download at this website for high schools to conduct their own day – the school that gets the most pledges wins a grant from Champ Car, Atlantics and the program sponsors. Champ Car drivers will make visits to select schools for symposiums and to sign autographs to promote the day.

A college Hands on the Wheel Day kit will be developed and available soon for download at this website for college groups (fraternities/sororities) to conduct their own day on their campus – the school that gets the most pledges wins a grant from Champ Car, Atlantics and the program sponsors.