Mopar, one of Fiat Chrylser’s performance brands, has created the “Mopar Road Ready” Program. The program, sponsored by the FCA Foundation, is designed to train young drivers in safe and defensive driving techniques. To be eligible, young drivers must be between the ages of 15 and 19, have either a learner’s or driver’s license, and at least 30 hours of driving experience.
The program will consist of a brief classroom overview, and a behind-the-wheel training. In the classroom, young drivers will learn about core driving topics, including proper seat and hand positions, and basic vehicle dynamics. Behind the wheel, there will five different exercises to challenge the young drivers: an accident avoidance/slalom courses, a drop wheel/off-road recovery, a distraction exercise where young driver will have navigate a course while being distracted by the instructor, a panic stop, and basic car control and recovery on a skid pad. The program’s curriculum was created with collaboration from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Motorsports Museum, and B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Safe And Keep Everyone Safe.)
The B.R.A.K.E.S. organization was founded by NHRA Mello Yellow Series Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert in memory of his two sons, Jon and James, who were tragically killed in a car accident. The organization specializes in driving schools for young drivers around the country and aims to promote safe driving in an attempt to prevent injuries and save lives. Their programs have reached 13,000 young drivers since 2008, and will be providing the instructors for the “Mopar Road Ready” Program.
The best part about the “Mopar Road Ready” Program is that it is completely free. While parents will have to pay a $99 registration fee in order to secure their spot in a session, Mopar will return the fee following the end of the session. The only downside of the program is that the program is not as wide spread as something like this should be. The “Mopar Road Ready” Program is only planned to be in three cities this year: Pomona, California, Gainesville, Florida and Detroit, Michigan. Unfortunately, Pomona, California sessions were last month, but registration for Gainesville, Florida sessions scheduled for March 21st and 22nd are still open and the Detroit, Michigan sessions are not until May.
If parents want to sign up their young drivers for the “Mopar Road Ready” Program, they can register at www.mopar.com/road-ready/Gainesville.
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