(March 21, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Young drivers across the country will have a chance to learn potentially life-saving driving skills through the Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience. The free program pairs classroom instruction with hands-on driving exercises to teach drivers how to better handle accident avoidance and the importance of eliminating distracted driving behaviors.

The half-day workshop will travel to 12 cities, hosting its first stop at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., March 22 and 23. 

Other stops include Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Houston; Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Charlotte, N.C.; Miami; Oakland, Calif. and Nashville, Tenn. Implementing the tour furthers Bridgestone's opportunity to support the communities where the company does business.

"Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and Bridgestone's Teens Drive Smart program aims to change that statistic," said Leslie Wilhite, manager, Teens Drive Smart Program. "It's important for us to equip young drivers with the skills needed to handle the challenges of today's roadways and show them that smarter driving means safer driving."

Bridgestone's Driving Experience sessions are led by highly trained instructors, many with motorsports, stunt driving and test track experience. They understand critical vehicle dynamics and put the students through practice maneuvers that can be replicated on the open road to avoid crashes. The instructors show these life-saving driving concepts, share tips to improve reaction time and provide constructive feedback – all in a fun, supervised environment.

The curriculum for teenagers is designed to:

    • Define and identify distracted driving behaviors
    • Identify the dangerous situations caused by distracted driving
    • Develop a base understanding of driving principles
    • Understand reaction times in emergency braking situations and controlling your vehicle on slippery surfaces
    • Practice accident avoidance and understand vehicle dynamics

Parents are invited to watch and hear what their children are being taught, and can also learn:

    • An awareness of their own behind-the-wheel behavior and how it impacts their teens' driving patterns
    • How to model proper driving habits
    • The importance of clarifying and enforcing the rules of responsible driving with teens

Participating teenagers must be between the ages of 15-21 and have a valid driver's license or learner's permit. Attendees with at least 30 hours of driving experience gain the most benefit from the Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience. The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required. Click here to register.