The Driver's Edge

DRIVER’S EDGE
Mark C Bach

For those of you who have young drivers in the family I wanted you to know of a great group that offers a FREE half day session of driving instruction. The kids get to drive some neat cars and do things you REALLY wouldn't want them doing to a family car. If you live near one of the thirteen cities the program will be offered this year please consider signing them up EARLY before the seats fill up.

Driver’s Edge was specifically developed to help address the unacceptably high number of youth-related automobile collisions and fatalities that occur annually throughout the United States . The nationally recognized program, taught by professional racecar drivers and performance driving instructors, will travel to 13 U.S. cities in 2005, including first-time visits to Denver , Colo. , and Seattle , Wash. The third Driver’s Edge National Tour kicks off March 5, 2005 in Los Angeles .

To date, more than 10,000 young drivers and their parents have attended a free, half-day Driver’s Edge program. “Although a comparable instructional driving program would cost approximately $450, Driver’s Edge is offered for free in order to provide this opportunity to all young drivers, regardless of social or economic background,” said Steven Tepper, chief operating officer of Driver’s Edge.

The program is typically offered twice a day, with each session educating approximately 75 to 100 students. The students’ parents are encouraged to attend and observe as well. After attending a program, Driver’s Edge contacts each student at six, 12 and 24 month intervals to monitor driving experience following course completion.

The program includes the following elements:

* Written tests designed to measure students’ driving knowledge before and after they get behind the wheel.

* Classroom and behind-the-wheel defensive driving instruction on skid control, evasive lane change maneuvers, anti-lock braking skills and panic-braking techniques.

* Local law enforcement interaction, including impaired driving awareness and seat belt safety.

* Proper car maintenance session, based on Firestone Complete Auto Care’s Car Care Academies, an award-winning instructional program that has been offered throughout the United States for more than 30 years. The Car Care Academies are a new addition to the Driver’s Edge program this year.

Driver’s Edge events will be offered in the following cities this year: Chicago, Ill.; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Las Vegas, Nev. (the program’s home city); Los Angeles, Calif.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Reno, Nev.; Seattle, Wash.; Washington, D.C.; and a yet to be determined city in the northern California area.

Young drivers, aged 15 to 21, possessing a valid learner’s permit or license must register in advance for the program either by phone at 1-877-633-EDGE (3343), or online at www.driversedge.org .