Free
Youth Driver Education Program Offered Nationwide
“Teenagers
are learning how to pass a test but not learning how to drive,”
said Payne. “Rather than pointing fingers after a teenager
dies in an accident, we should be teaching them how to drive better
in the first place.”
In
2002, Driver’s Edge reached 1,200 young drivers in Las Vegas,
and Payne expects the nationwide program to reach 6,000 students
in 2003. Before launching Driver’s Edge, Payne spent five
years researching and planning its curriculum. The 4½-hour
program, which involves classroom and course instruction, teaches
students skills in evasive lane changes, anti-lock and panic braking
maneuvers, and skid control. In the classroom, students learn
about driving after a tire blowout or in icy conditions. On the
course, students are taught vehicle dynamics, load transfer and
driving in the rain. They are also able to identify and experience
the differences in front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
At
the beginning of the program, students are given a test designed
to measure their driving knowledge. At the end of the program,
students are given a similar test to measure how much was learned.
On the average, students answer 33 percent of the questions correctly
the first time and 80 percent correctly the second time.
The
program is offered in two sessions per day, each with about 75
students. As reinforcement, parents are encouraged to observe
the sessions. As a follow-up to the program, Driver’s Edge
sends a questionnaire to students six months after the course
has been completed. Students are asked if they’ve had any
tickets or accidents since taking the class. The questionnaire
is then sent again after 12, 24 and 36 months.
In
addition to Bridgestone/Firestone, AAA and Sprint are co-sponsors
of the 2003 Driver’s Edge program.
Students
may register to attend one of the 11 events by calling 1-877-633-EDGE
(3343) or online at www.driversedge.org
and www.bridgestonetire.com.
The
Driver’s Edge program will be offered in conjunction with
Bridgestone/Firestone Drive & Learn events at the following
locations:
- Dallas
- March 8
- Nashville,
Tenn. - May 10, 11
- New
York - May 17
- Washington/Baltimore,
Md. - June 14
- Detroit
- July 18
- Minneapolis,
Minn. - July 24
- Oklahoma
City - Aug. 16
- San
Francisco Sept. 13
-
Salt Lake City Oct. 4
(All
dates subject to change. Refer to aforementioned Web sites for
current information.)
(Source:
Bridgestone/Firestone) (...BACK)
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