The curriculum also includes information from Driver's Edge, a hands-on teen driver safety program sponsored by Bridgestone
(www.driversedge.com). Las Vegas-based Driver's Edge is a Nevada 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Originally created by former professional racecar driver Jeff Payne,
it is a no-cost educational program for young drivers aged 15 to 21 that teaches
real-life emergency avoidance and response driving techniques and overall driver safety. The program is taught on an ongoing basis in Las Vegas, as well as during annual
tours visiting multiple U.S. cities each year. The program is funded entirely by corporate sponsorship, public grants and charitable donations.
The M.A.R.I.O's safety booklets have been made available to students and educators across the country, and the company says it has received positive comments from all who have made use of them. In his travels across the United States, Andretti frequently speaks to students about safety and developing good habits such as alert and defensive driving, tire safety and seat belt use.
"Teens are just learning to drive and face many distractions, so they are at a very high risk for accidents," said Andretti. "As a racecar driver, I understand the importance of developing safe driving habits early, and it is an honor to work with Firestone to help educate young drivers on basic road safety and help them start to develop smart driving habits, like checking their tire pressure monthly."
To participate in this program, students aged 16 to 21 must compose an essay, 500 words or less, on safety-related topics, such as seat belt use, drinking and driving, tire safety or any other topic they feel is important to their peers. The submission should also include recommendations about how to effectively communicate the safety message discussed in the essay. Essays will be accepted through July 30, 2006, with finalists being named in the fall of 2006.
The top ten finalists, selected by a panel of judges, will receive a $500 gas card and a set of Bridgestone Firestone tires; and each of the top three finalists will also receive a $2,500 scholarship and a laptop computer.
"We are very excited to have Mario as our spokesperson in this effort," said John Gamauf, president, Bridgestone Firestone consumer replacement tire. "Safety Scholars is a great way to involve students in our safety outreach efforts, while providing them with the opportunity to earn a scholarship so they can go to school and pursue their dreams."
(Source: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC)
