There is a lot of pressure placed on young drivers.

In this country, driving is often treated like a right, when in reality it is one of the greatest responsibilities you will ever take on.

The truth is, most drivers are not properly trained. They are taught how to pass a test, but not how to handle real-world driving situations. Passing a driver’s test provides a basic understanding of how to operate a vehicle, but it does not prepare you for the conditions and challenges you will face on the road.

Because of this, young drivers have a much higher risk of being involved in a collision. When compared to any other age group, drivers aged 16 to 20 have the highest fatality and injury rates per mile driven. The overall collision rate for this age group is more than double that of more experienced drivers.

Inexperience and decision-making are the two biggest factors behind these statistics. Many young drivers view driving as freedom, and sometimes approach it with a “video game” mentality or a desire to show off. What is often overlooked is the level of responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel.

Take a lesson from animal behavior. The most dominant and secure animal in a group is usually the one that draws the least attention to itself. It doesn’t need to prove anything. The same applies to driving. The drivers who feel the need to show off are usually the least in control, while the ones who stay calm and aware are the ones who are truly in command of the situation.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young people in the United States—more than guns, drugs, suicide or violent crimes. A vehicle should command the same level of respect as a loaded gun. When used properly, it serves a purpose. When used carelessly, it can have serious—and sometimes irreversible—consequences.

Driver’s Edge was created to help bridge the gap between basic driver education and real-world experience. A large portion of this program takes place behind the wheel, allowing you to experience and better understand how a vehicle behaves in emergency and accident-avoidance situations.

This program is designed to give you the awareness, confidence, and skills needed to respond to those situations, rather than panic when they occur.

Motor vehicle collisions happen every day. The question is not if you will encounter a dangerous situation, but when. The goal is to be prepared when that moment comes.

Today, you begin learning how to be prepared.

Prepare yourself, and “Start Your Engines,” because today you’re going to learn to DRIVE!