Home » Centers of Excellence » Children's » Driver's Edge

Driver's Edge

DRIVER’S EDGE: June 13-15, 2008
A National Program Driven to Save the Lives of America’s Youth
Brought to South Dakota to Save the Lives of Our Local Youth

Testimonial

A letter from Mike, a local high school senior:

“I know you guys did a lot of work to bring the Drivers Edge program to Sioux Falls and for that I thank you.

I was in an accident and I honestly believe taking that course saved my life. Thanks to them I was able to remain calm, pull out of a spin and most importantly, I was wearing my seat belt. Yes the car I was driving is completely totaled, but me and my family are still here. I just wanted you to know that all the hard work you guys put in for getting Drivers Edge to come to Sioux Falls, did in fact save a life. Mine. I never go anywhere without wearing my seatbelt now. Thanks again for all your hard work. Without it I probably would not be here right now.”

Registration Information:
Go to www.driversedge.org and click on tour dates and registration. Sessions will be offered 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1 – 5:30 p.m., June 13, 14 and 15 in Sioux Falls, SD at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds during the 2008 Driver’s Edge National Tour.

Driver’s Edge is offered at NO COST to students. Young drivers, ages 14-21 who posses a valid learner’s permit or license, are eligible to participate.

Program Description:
CAR CRASHES are the NUMBER ONE killer of youth ages 14-21 years. Drivers under the age of 18 – the ones most likely to be involved in car crashes over the last five years according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety – will learn how to stay safer on the roads thanks to Driver’s Edge. Driver’s Edge, a non-profit organization, provides teen drivers in select U.S. cities free classroom and behind-the-wheel accident avoidance instruction to combat this statistic.

Taught behind the wheel and in the classroom with an "MTV" flavor, Driver’s Edge was originally developed to help combat the staggering (and quite frankly, unnecessary) number of automobile collisions and fatalities that involve American’s young drivers each and every year.

The program is offered twice a day with each session educating approximately 75-100 students. The student’s parents are encouraged to attend and observe as well. The program includes the following elements:

Written tests to measure driving knowledge before and after completing the course.
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.

Driver’s Edge is a nationally recognized program, taught by professional racecar drivers and performance driving instructors.

Sponsors: Thanks to the vision of Sanford Children’s Neonatologist Joan Nold, MD and lead sponsors Sanford Health and First Premier Bankcard, along with a host of other community sponsors and support, Driver’s Edge will conduct its 3rd annual training event for youth in our area in 2008.

Driver’s Edge is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and public charity. It is solely funded by charitable donations, public grants and corporate sponsorships, including Driver’s Edge National Tour presenting sponsor Bridgestone North American Tire. As a result, the innovative and potentially life-saving program is offered to young drivers FREE OF CHARGE.