Teen drivers invest in safety skills

author

Tyler Wing - View Bio

Read more articles by this author

Teen drivers reved-up and peeled-out Saturday looking to make themselves safer drivers.

According to American Automobile Association car crashes are the number killer of teenagers nation wide.

That's why more than 400 southern Arizona parents enrolled their teen drivers in the Ford Driving Skills for Life.

"We focus on areas of inexperience, young people simply don't have the proper skills," says Ford spokesman Jim Graham. "As an automotive manufacturer we should take care of our customers."

The company brought in specially designed Ford Mustangs to let teens skid out at low speeds.

New driver Vanessa Gutierrez says the course builds her confidence. "When I used to skid I would panic. I wouldn't know what to do. This actually helps. It shows you how to come out of it. How to regain control of your car."

Father of five John Roberts taught all his other kids to drive himself. This time he's letting professionals teach his youngest. "It helps them with speed management and really defensive driving skills."

Graham says parents are a key figure in the Driving Skills for Life equation. "Because the teens are going to copy their behavior. So don't be talking on the phone. Don't be texting."

Ford Driving Skills for Life continues Sunday. The training is free to teens who sign up at https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/