• Mercedes-Benz USA, in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide and Scholastic, published an educational children’s book about passenger and pedestrian road safety
• The national book and safety tour kicked off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, featuring a book reading by Atlanta Falcons Legend Matt Ryan for 500 children from YMCA of Metro Atlanta
• Mercedes-Benz USA and Safe Kids Worldwide will distribute 30,000 free copies of the Clifford Takes a Ride book to families across the country

Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Safe Kids Worldwide, one of its national nonprofit partners, launched a new children’s book, Clifford Takes a Ride, in collaboration with Scholastic. The book follows the journey of Clifford the Big Red Dog and gives readers essential tips to stay safe in and around vehicles. MBUSA and Safe Kids Worldwide will distribute 30,000 free copies of the book to families across the country through Mercedes-Benz dealerships and Safe Kids Worldwide coalitions. This book and safety tour is part of MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Driving Your Future, which aims to empower the next generation.

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Mercedes-Benz USA and Safe Kids Worldwide launch Clifford Takes a Ride, an educational children’s book about passenger and pedestrian road safety, and kick off national book and safety tour. (Photo: Business Wire)

To celebrate the book’s release and raise awareness about passenger and pedestrian safety, MBUSA and Safe Kids Worldwide kicked off a four-city book and safety tour, beginning with an event yesterday in Atlanta. The launch event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium welcomed MBUSA Brand Ambassador Matt Ryan and more than 500 enthusiastic campers from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.

"Mercedes-Benz has a longstanding commitment to safety and innovation, and we are proud to reinforce these vital topics with a young audience through this fun and educational story and have the chance to directly interact with kids across the country with our book and safety tour. Partnering with Safe Kids Worldwide, the YMCA and Matt Ryan to bring these important lessons to life is a true testament to our commitment to community and safety.”

Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

The event began with a book reading by Ryan and a special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog. The YMCA campers then experienced interactive safety education stations covering passenger, pedestrian and bike safety, as well as a bike rodeo, helmet fittings and pedestrian crossing activities.

“As a father of three young kids, I'm thrilled to be a part of this initiative to teach children about safety in a fun and engaging way. Clifford is the perfect character to help deliver this message, and it’s fantastic to see so many young faces eager to learn and participate.”

Matt Ryan, Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback and MBUSA Brand Ambassador

The Clifford Takes a Ride book and safety tour will also include stops in Jacksonville, FL, Coppell, TX and Hamilton Township, NJ, with support from MBUSA employee volunteers in each location. The tour aims to reach thousands of children and their families, providing them with the knowledge and tools to stay safe in and around cars through teachings in the book and interactive safety activities.

“Each year, many child passengers are tragically lost or injured in motor vehicle crashes, but ongoing safety measures and awareness campaigns are making a positive impact. We know teaching children and families how to be safe in and around vehicles can save lives, and we are thrilled to work with our partners at Mercedes-Benz USA to reach families across the country in a fun and creative way!”

Torine Creppy, President of Safe Kids Worldwide

"At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, collaborating with like-minded organizations to build and strengthen our community is central to our mission. We are profoundly grateful to Mercedes-Benz USA and Safe Kids Worldwide for organizing this exceptional event for our campers. Not only did they have an incredible time, but they also participated in vital learning experiences that they can apply in their everyday lives for years to come."

Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta

MBUSA is committed to the safety of children and works with Safe Kids Worldwide on an ongoing basis to help educate families on this crucial topic.

About Mercedes-Benz USA:

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. Accredited journalists can visit our media site at media.mbusa.com.

“Driving Your Future” is Mercedes-Benz USA's corporate social responsibility initiative to support educational programs that empower the next generation. As part of our commitment to positively impact communities where employees live and work, MBUSA has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide and Junior Achievement USA to create and support programs focused on technology and sustainability, career readiness, and injury prevention to help the next generation succeed. To learn more about Driving Your Future, please visit www.mbusa.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility.

Accredited journalists can visit our media site at media.mbusa.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240719520853/en/