Tire Rack Street Survival, created by the nonprofit BMW Car Club of America Foundation in 2002, aims to teach teens valuable car-control skills to help them avoid accidents. The premise is “safe driving is learned by doing,” thus the program offers teenagers hands-on experience in their own cars on a closed course that simulates real-world situations. Trained and qualified in-car driving instructors work with each student on weight management and transfer, tailgating, two-wheels-off, skid control and threshold braking exercises. Parents are encouraged to observe their child during the 8-hour day, which also includes classroom education and two meals.
“The program gives teenagers a chance to earn some real world experience in driving,” says Bill Wade, Tire Rack Street Survival national program manager. “It puts them in a lot of situations where they can learn to feel what the car is going to do before it actually does it.”
The “schools” are facilitated by chapters of the BMW Car Club of America and other auto enthusiasts, with more than 2,000 volunteers consistently giving their time and talents to help teens make educated decisions when driving. In the last two years, more than 100 schools were held and for 2015, Tire Rack Street Survival hopes to host 125 throughout the U.S.
Tire Rack Street Survival is coming to Milwaukee Area Technical College (6665 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek) Saturday, May 9, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (hosted by the Milwaukee Region SCCA). Licensed or permitted drivers ages 16-21 are eligible to sign up; registration is $75 per driver. For additional information and to register, visit streetsurvival.org or contact Tim Beechuk, program manager, at 684-438-2060.
