KPLU Local News
(2010-08-09)
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(KPLU) - Hundreds of teen drivers will spin out of control in cars next week at Emerald Downs in Auburn. It's part of a free course in avoiding crashes.
The program is designed to reduce the number of teens who die in accidents.
Teens at this driving school get to hit the racetrack in brightly colored Mustangs. They'll be taught by instructors with racing backgrounds, but this training isn't built for speed.
Rebecca Bunting Kuchar, spokeswoman for the Ford Driving Skills For Life Program, says the Mustangs' will have casters installed under the back wheels to simulate driving in slippery conditions, such as gravel, snow or rain. It causes the rear of the car to slide at speeds under 10 miles per hour.
The goal is to give students more than an adrenaline rush. Safety experts say practice is the best way to teach teens how to handle challenging road conditions.
Ford says the program goes beyond traditional driver's ed and it's as real-world as possible. That means not only teaching drivers to swerve and brake if a kid runs in front of the car, but also to deal with cell phones, music and talking passengers.
The program could help reduce accidents caused by teen drivers. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, teens are involved in nearly 40-percent of the serious crashes in the state.
Drivers between 15 and 19-years-old can register online.
More information:
Students can choose one of the following 4-hour sessions:
-Wednesday, August 18, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
-Wednesday, August 18, 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-Thursday, August 19, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
-Thursday, August 19, 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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