Teens get crash course in driver safety outside Sears Centre

Young drivers had a chance to learn and test their skills Sunday during the Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

The teen driving experience was a half-day program designed to provide teens and young adults the skills to handle the challenges that occur in everyday situations.

"Where better to learn these real-world situations, things like facing an icy road where you're slipping and sliding, than on a closed course with professional drivers?" asked Rachel Withers, communications leader for Bridgestone Americas.

Students combined classroom instruction with hands-on driving exercises that included a skid pad to teach defensive driving skills and reinforce smart decision-making in a fun driving experience.

"It was challenging and difficult, but I got the hang of it," said Gabriel Dodd, 16, of Lombard, after driving on the skid pad, a watered-down asphalt surface in the parking lot. "This was very good for kids to come out here and learn how to drive. It was a great opportunity."

Almost 400 drivers ages 15 to 21 were expected to attend the two-day event for participants with a valid driver's license or learner's permit.