Teens Learn Safe Driving Skills in Style

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More than 250 local teens had the chance to practice safe driving skills in style.
 
The teens got behind the wheel of some of Ford’s hottest cars, in an effort to make them better drivers.

KVRR’s Brittany Ford has the story.

Pressing the gas, hitting the brakes, and learning how to handle car drifting is what local teens had the chance to practice side by side with Ford professionals.

It’s all a part of Ford’s Driving Skills for Life, which is a free training program that travels across the U-S to teach teens safe driving skills.
 
“Kids come in overconfident thinking they can do everything, and those students we want to bring down a little bit show them they can’t. Other students are scared to drive. We want to get them up and try to get everyone at the same level, and let them know a lot of issues around driving. A lot of decision making processes to really think about,” said Ford Driving Skills Manager Jim Graham. 
 
15-year old Ryan Lievenow is weeks away from taking his driving test.

His mom Mary heard from a neighbor about the course, and says it was perfect timing.

“I feel more comfortable with him getting his license in a few weeks, and feeling like he’s a little more prepared then he was coming here today,” said Mary Lievenow.
 
Ryan says that now after taking the course, he feels prepared for the unexpected.
 
“Teaches kids not to drive under the influence, or be distracted and if you lose control of the car, it teaches you what to do,” said Ryan Lievenow.
 
One big emphasis on today’s training was distracted driving teens had the chance to soberly experience how impaired you are when under the influence.

What I experienced was not easy.

Teens were also able to improve their skills in reaction time, braking and stopping distances, as well as speed management.

Skills that Ford hopes they will carry with them when they get behind the wheel.

Brittany Ford KVRR News.
 
According to the North Dakota DOT in 2014, 13 percent of fatal crashes involved teen drivers.

For more information on the Ford Driving Skills Program, you can click here.