Driver’s Edge program a boon for young motorists

Jeff Payne founded Driver's Edge out of frustration.

The average person doesn't know that car collisions are the No. 1 killer of American teens, and Nevada teens as well, he said. More than 1,200 16-to-20-year-olds are injured or killed in collisions in the United States every day, he noted -- more than by guns, drugs and violent crime combined.

Yet he saw a reality that stood in the way of the situation being changed.

"None of us in this country are ever taught how to drive," Payne said. "We're simply taught to pass the test. Learning the rules of the road and the basic fundamentals of operating a vehicle are very important, but that's not going to save these kids."

The answer -- or at least part of it: Driver's Edge, a free, half-day program that's open to anyone 21 or younger with a valid license or learner's permit.

The program has four modules, through which the kids rotate (parents are invited to attend, as well). Two are static and include the fundamentals of a vehicle and how it operates, tire safety, seating and mirror position, plus a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper talking about his experiences and letting the participants have a go with goggles that show them what it feels like to operate a vehicle after drinking too much.

The behind-the-wheel segments cover panic braking -- including what anti-lock brake systems do and don't do -- plus sudden lane-change maneuvers to avoid an unforeseen obstacle in the road, and losing traction and going into a skid. These are things, Payne said, that "none of us were ever taught and none of us ever experienced until we were behind the wheel and it could be deadly."

The experiences, he said, work to ground the overconfident teen driver who suddenly realizes that he or she isn't as cool as previously thought, as well as the nervous driver who gets an understanding of how a vehicle and safety features including ABS brakes function.

Most accidents, Payne said, are caused by distractions.

"They make a small mistake, then they panic and overreact, and it's that panic and overreacting that turns that small mistake into a deadly tragedy," he said.

Participants take a pre-test to gauge their perception of their driving skills, and a post-test to see how those perceptions change because of the program. Prizes, trophies and a general MTV-style approach help the kids relate, he said. Follow-up studies at 12 and 24 months after participation will help supporters determine on a statistical basis the effect the program has on its participants.

"The big picture," Payne said, "is to make this a mandatory part of driver education in Nevada to show the rest of the country you can make a difference and save lives."

Sessions for next year have yet to be scheduled. Those interested in Driver's Edge can go to www.driversedge.org to sign up for an e-mail list and will be notified when the schedule is complete. Payne said programs will take place on 16 to 20 days in Nevada next year -- or more, if additional funding becomes available -- as well as in 15 to 20 cities elsewhere in the country.

Driver's Edge is supported by grants and private donations from agencies and companies including the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Station Casinos, Speedway Casino, the Indy Car Series and Bridgestone/Firestone.

And Driver's Edge is a finalist for the Volvo For Life Awards, which will mean $100,000 for the grand-prize winner and $25,000 for runners-up. To vote, go to www.volvoforlifeawards.com by Jan. 7.

For more information on Driver's Edge, go to www.driversedge.org or call 896-6482.

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0474.