Teens, test your driving skills (and maybe learn something)
By EMILY NIPPS, Times Staff Writer
Published September 28, 2007
TAMPA - Jeff Payne couldn't help noticing that the Tampa Bay area has a problem.
As the founder and president of Driver's Edge, a nonprofit organization that holds advanced driver's education workshops for teens all over the country, he receives news on teen drivers every day.
"I get people forwarding me these stories all the time," Payne said from his home in Las Vegas. "I'm thinking, 'Jeez, it's like an epidemic over there.'"
The program offers four sessions this weekend at Tampa Bay Downs. Up to 400 teens, along with their parents, can participate in the free, five-hour school, which includes lessons in skidding, braking and avoiding accidents, all on a closed course.
The Driver's Edge program, teaming up with the Florida Highway Patrol, is under the direction of current and former IndyCar, NASCAR and sports car drivers.
Emily Nipps can be reached at 813 226-3431 or nipps@sptimesFast facts
To participate
When: The sessions will begin at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Racetrack Road, Tampa.
To register: visit www.driversedge.org or call 1-877-633-EDGE.
Requirements: Students must be 21 years old or younger and must have a valid Florida learner's permit or driver's license.