GLADSTONE & BRIMLEY, Mich. (WZMQ) – This summer, U.P. teenagers can learn safe driving techniques from Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers.
MSP will host its annual Teen Defensive Driving program for students in Brimley on Saturday, August 15, and for students in Gladstone on Sunday, August 16. Teens will get a chance to sit behind the wheel of a “Blue Goose” patrol vehicle for training in crash avoidance, evasive maneuvering, emergency braking, and even interacting with law enforcement during a traffic stop.
According to MSP Spl/Lt. Ben Eckola, the hands-on program is designed to help young drivers feel comfortable, confident, and capable behind the wheel.
“Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes,” Eckola said. “A lot of that’s because they don’t have that experience. We want to address that problem proactively with techniques behind the wheel and things like avoiding distractions to hopefully prevent them from being involved in crashes.”
The Teen Defensive Driving program is offered at no cost thanks to a grant from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Participants must have completed Segment 1 of driver’s education before taking the Teen Defensive Driving course. Sessions take place from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The August 15 sessions will be held at the Brimley Developmental Center at 9301 South M-221. To register, contact Trooper Cody Mayer at mayerc@michigan.gov or 906-748-0005. The August 16 sessions will take place at Gladstone High School, located at 2100 M-35. To register, contact Trooper Geno Basanese at basaneseg@michigan.gov or 906-280-6105. For additional information, click here.
