PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System Inc. has announced a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Sears to sponsor the "Avis Cares Safety Fairs" at select Sears locations throughout the U.S. The educational events were developed as a fun and interactive way for the public to learn more about safety in the car.

The program is funded through a monetary service award that Sears gave Avis, which is Sears' corporate rental car partner. Avis has elected to donate a portion of the award to MADD to defray the costs of the anti-drunk driving education component of the Avis Cares Safety Fairs.

"We're grateful to be able to use the proceeds from the service award in a way that confirms our commitment to travelers' safety and also benefits local communities," said Robert Salerno, president and COO of Avis.

Through its partnership with Sears, Avis is opening 40 new rental locations at Sears Auto Centers nationwide. Avis is now the only rental car company to accept the Sears Card. For information on the date and location of the next Avis Cares Safety Fair at Sears, contact Susan McGowan at (973) 496-3916.