Dodge Avenge Commuter-stress Grind

Commuters are traveling distances to make a living. Statistics say over 10 million consumers drive more than 60 minutes each way to work and research shows that commuting can take a toll on a consumer's health. This is the reason why commuting poses to be a daily grind on individuals.

In recognition of the National Stress Awareness Day on April 17, Dodge, a division of the Chrysler Group, is going great lengths to aid commuters to lessen the daily stress grind. In this regard, the automaker is inviting annoyed commuters to write an essay about why they believe they have the most stressful daily drive and are most deserving of a new car.

Participants can register and submit their entries online. During registration, participants will be asked to submit a 250-word essay answering the following questions: "What makes your commute so stressful?" and "How would owning a 2008 Dodge Avenger relieve your stress?" Participants must be 18 years or older, and a holder of a valid driver's license at the time of entry.

The lucky writer will be flown out to Los Angeles, a territory famed for the worst commute situations. There, the winner will take part in Dodge’s "Avenge Your Commute" special event scheduled Monday which falls on April 16. In the said event, the winner will also take home an all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger.

The new Avenger from the automaker offers more catchy Dodge body parts accented by new features like the Chill Zone(TM), a MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment Radio and a heated/cooled cupholder. The features are designed to alleviate the drive feel of car occupants at the same time reduce the stress of commuting. The automaker teams up with internationally renowned life coach, Dr. Martha Beck, to supply tips on improving some of the stress that goes along with battling bumper-to-bumper traffic.

"Let's face it; not every commute is going to be a fast ride," said Beck, a best-selling author and columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine. "Accepting that fact from the word 'go' is probably the most important thing we can do to keep our commuter-stress levels low. Then, when we're on the road dealing with slowdowns and pile-ups, we can use all kinds of strategies to get even more relaxed.”

Beck added, “Ultimately, even bumper-to-bumper gridlocks can become opportunities to get back in touch with ourselves and turn a potentially stressful situation into a positive experience. With a little conscious attention, the commute we've come to dread can become a genuinely enjoyable part of our lives."

"Commuters are spending a lot of time in their cars each day and we believe it is important for them to be comfortable and confident that their car will get them to their destination safely," said Tom Loveless, the Director at Dodge Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "The Dodge Avenger offers a perfect blend of reliability, innovative technologies and bold styling, which sets it apart from the other mid-size vehicles on the road. By awarding one lucky commuter with a new Avenger, we hope to help him or her jumpstart their commute, and make the ride more pleasurable and less stressful."