On September 17, 2013, 10TV sports anchor Dom Tiberi and his family lost their 21-year-old daughter, Maria, in a distracted driving accident. Since then, the Tiberis and their 10TV family have been on a mission to teach young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. This mission includes public service announcements, Maria’s Message presentations at area high schools, and free defensive driving courses for teens.
The Safe Driving Days program teaches driving techniques not found in typical drivers’ education classrooms. Instructors from the Mid-Ohio School put students behind the wheel to learn skills they will use throughout their driving lives. Pupils will practice emergency lane change, wet pavement braking, and skid car drills. Following is what is covered in the course:
- Discussion of driving basics, defensive driving behavior and vehicle safety;
- Classroom session on the physics and dynamics of good driving;
- Wet braking drill;
- Emergency lane change/collision avoidance drill; and
- Skid car drill simulating icy/snowy/rainy weather conditions.
Participants must be at least 15 ½ and have a temporary permit or valid driver’s license. Parent/guardian must sign waivers/releases for participants under the age of 18. Participants 18 and older must also sign waivers/releases. Only drivers ages 15 ½ to 22 years old are eligible for this program. Participants must provide their own car and should have as much driving practice as possible before taking this class. With the exception of the skid car drill, participants will be driving solo. Bring your permit and/or license with you. You will not be allowed to participate if you do not have your permit and/or license with you. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch the drills.
All participants, or their parent or guardian, are required to sign a liability waiver for using the skid car. This waiver states, in the event of damage to the vehicle, you will be responsible for up to $1,500 in damages.
Learn more and register at www.10tv.com/marias-message.