SWERVE Driving School Works with Harborview to Investigate Safe Teen Driving Practices

July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- REDMOND, WASH. (July 19, 2011) – In an effort to change the way people drive, students from SWERVE Driving School have been invited to participate in a study by Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center. The goal of this study is to determine whether or not two new devices can significantly impact teen driving behavior and reduce the rate of accidents and injuries.

The new devices – including a video camera that records a 20-second clip when abrupt braking or steering occurs, and a cell phone application that prevents calls and texts while the car is moving – could provide valuable insights into teen driving behavior and closely involve the parents in the learning process. A weekly “report card” will be sent to parents and students to keep everyone informed about the student’s progress.

“We have always focused on providing a research-based education,” said Rick McNeely, director of interactive marketing for SWERVE. “Whether it’s in a traditional setting or through our online driver’s education program, we strive to provide the most relevant information based on solid, real-world research, and this is another way for us to do that.”
Harborview Research Center focuses its research efforts on how people suffer injuries and what can be done to prevent them. The center places a particular emphasis on groups that have the highest risk of injury (in this case, teen drivers).

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of death in North America, and this study seeks to reduce the rates of injury and death from unintentional events like car accidents.

“Distractions and inattention are often the cause of major car accidents, and this study has the potential to help lower those risks,” McNeely said. “We’re glad to be associated with this study and we expect to make use of this research in our curriculum.” Learn more now at www.onlinedrivinguniversity.com

About The Driver Training Group

The Driver Training Group is the parent company of education schools for driving: Online Driving University SWERVE Driving School, 911 Driving School and SWERVE Fleet Training. Its mission is to inspire, educate, engage and motivate drivers to perform better behind the wheel. The company has developed a number of programs for new teen drivers that go beyond traditional driving lessons or driver's ed. The Driver Training Group’s ultimate goal is to create an enhanced driving school experience that challenges student drivers to be collision free for life.