Twenty-two new or learning-permitted teen drivers had the guts scared out of them on Sunday afternoon, but it had nothing to do with Halloween fun and games. Rather, they were watching explicit accident videos involving young drivers, hearing about the experiences of law enforcement and emergency response personnel at accident scenes, and getting an idea of what distractions like texting and alcohol and substance impairment feels like when behind the wheel.
Central Bucks Family YMCA and Fred Beans Family of Dealerships presented the second offering of Survive UR Drive, a program that aims to give new teen drivers enough information and hands-on awareness to keep them alive through their first months of on-the-road experience.
“Studies show that the initial six months of driving is a critical period where lack of experience and the freedom of driving combine to make young drivers most vulnerable to accidents, especially those caused by distractions,” says Rachel Mauer, executive community director at the Y. “We hope that by reaching them and their parents now, we can influence how they develop as drivers and help make ‘the rest of their lives’ long and happy.”
Building on the pilot program presented last April, Sunday’s event included videos, interactive lecture, a basic vehicle maintenance session and behind-the-wheel time for teens and parents using golf carts on a course made more challenging by “beer goggles” and cell phone texting.
