Gaining an Edge

Revving engines, screeching tires and burning rubber are all familiar sights and sounds at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not so familiar are the teen drivers behind the wheel while the professional race car drivers ride shotgun.

Driver's Edge is a free program for young drivers that teaches them how to handle real life road emergencies.

Founded by Henderson resident Jeff Payne in 2002, Driver's Edge has taken off as an educational program dedicated to decreasing the number of teens killed in automobile accidents ever year. The only qualifications required to participate are a valid driver's license or learner's permit and signed parental consent forms.

"I started Driver's Edge out of frustration for all the fingers pointed at teen drivers," Payne said. "I realized that teens are never really 'taught to drive' as much as they are taught to 'pass a test.' This program gives them the hands-on experience such as skids, swerves, emergency braking and evasive action that every driver should receive."

Thirty of the country's most elite professional driving instructors, including X-Games gold medalists, Indy 500 competitors, NASCAR winners, Indy car winners and sports car champions, accompany the participants in each vehicle. The most widely anticipated events of the day include slamming on brakes, swerving and skidding on water-covered concrete; not quite the usual driving lesson from mom and dad.

"One of the best parts of this program is seeing the progress of someone who starts out so scared and really has no idea what to do in a panic situation," said instructor and driver Jonathan Bomarito. "Seeing them improve so much in the five minutes I'm in the car with them really is a great thing."

A session at Driver's Edge begins with a pre-test that asks basic questions ranging from motor safety to car maintenance. A video is then shown demonstrating the devastation a teen accident inflicts not only upon those in the car, but their family and friends as well. The participants then are broken up into groups that rotate to four different modules, all teaching a skill or informing about many vehicle related misconceptions.

At the law enforcement module, a local officer talks about the importance of seat belts and the consequences of driving under the influences of cell phones, alcohol and back seat distractions. Fatal Vision Goggles, which significantly alter the wearer's vision, help demonstrate the effects of trying to pass a sobriety test at the illegal blood alcohol limits.

The essential car care instruction module begins with a demonstration of proper driving technique. The correction of the infamous "10 and 2" hand placement on the steering wheel is a main topic of discussion.

"Placing your hands at 9 and 3 allows for more steering leeway," said instructor and Driver's Edge lead facilitator Michael Moser. "By placing your hands at 10 and 2 you are barely giving yourself enough room to turn the wheel a quarter of the way around."

Vehicle and tire maintenance, proper mirror position and the importance of seat belts also are stressed in this presentation.

Then the fun stuff starts.

At the last two modules, participants actually climb behind the wheel to test out some emergency driving situations.

At the braking module, students try out their anti-lock braking system by putting the pedal to the metal before slamming on the brakes. They also practice evasive lane changes by swerving out of the way of roadblocks.

At the skid pad, a water truck keeps the concrete slick as the professionals demonstrate how to recover from a serious skid. This is the module that is usually accompanied by gasps from the students, who on their first try often send the car into an 180 degree spin before figuring out the logistics of the exercise.

"The skidding was really fun," said Legacy High School student Richard Shugg, 16. "It really showed me what I can do with my car and what my limits and options are in a skidding situation."

Shadow Ridge student Alyssa Sebrom, 16, said she was nervous before getting in the car and was afraid she was going to flip.

"When I got out I was so relieved my heart was still beating," Sebrom said. "I really think I'll be better prepared for anything I might face on the roads now."

Driven by the passion to make a difference, Payne and his Driver's Edge crew have expanded the program nationwide, touring 15 cities in 2007. More than 40,000 young drivers have participated in the program. Payne eventually would like to expand and make his course a core part of driver's education.

"Driver's education in America is basically appalling," Payne said. "When people come here they get a huge wake-up call. Kids get to see what is really out there. At Driver's Edge they are getting hands-on training that they cannot receive anywhere else."

Payne's staff members agree that something has to be done about driver's education in America.

"We all drive race cars and teach at driving schools all over the country, so we see the need for a good education and proper practice," Bomarito said. "We all share the same passion. We genuinely want to see people become better, more confident drivers."

Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Kevin Honea, who was the speaker at the law enforcement module, said the program offers life-saving information.

"In my experience, this is one of the best insurance policies a family can give their teen driver," he said. "This has the potential to keep you from rolling your car or skidding off the road."

Studies and statistics support the success of Driver's Edge. The program is free, funded by donations and sponsorships.

"The ultimate goal of Driver's Edge is to save lives and make a difference," Payne said. "It is so rewarding to know that you are making a difference."