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Mercedes-Benz is contributing to teen driver safety with a new Los Angeles facility that will offer teen driver education and training and a new integrated coaching approach that aims to improve driver education in California.
The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is preparing for its inaugural class of teen drivers and will work with an independent team of professionals. The academy will also offer transit and driver safety tutelage with parents and students in mind and the goal to not only meet but exceed requirements set forth by the California DMV.
"We are leading a path to modify and update driver education to accommodate the incredible changes in the driving landscape that have transpired over the past six decades," said Carolyn Duchene, academy director. "Road conditions, technology, distractions, traffic and other externalities including a record number of drivers today along with road improvement projects require a totally new approach to ensure teens become safe and responsible drivers."
With October 16-22 designated National Teen Driver Safety Week, Mercedes-Benz is making it its mission to curb the high number of car crashes involving teens in the southern California region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list car accidents as the No. 1 cause of death among the 15 to 20 age group, with national statistics maintaining that teens are four times more likely to be involved in a car crash in their first year of driving than experienced drivers.
"We chose the location for the first U.S. Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy to meet the needs of our students and their families – and that includes accessibility to many neighborhoods, close proximity to several major highways and shopping destinations for parent convenience," Duchene added.
State Farm is also contributing to teen driver safety with its latest campaign featuring Ralph Macchio of "Karate Kid" fame. Supporting National Teen Driver Safety Awareness Week, State Farm announced it will give away a new car to the family that makes safety a priority.
In order to educate teen drivers and parents everywhere, State Farm is launching a website that will serve as an informational resource center free of charge for parents looking for new and innovative ways to instill safe driving practices in their children.
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