The morning was a bit chilly and overcast. The forecast called for rain. Perfect! Can you think of a better way to teach car control to the young drivers? On that Saturday morning in May, two-dozen young and not so young drivers gathered at the Wisconsin State Fair parking lot for the Badger Chapter’s Teen Streetwise Driving Clinic.

 

A local television station’s van, cameraman, and reporter were waiting for us when we arrived. The gates were still locked, so we set up for the first of two live interviews for the Morning Show with the impressive entrance and the highway in the background. The second live shot came about an hour later. This time we had two instructors going through the slalom exercise for some action in the background. Never mind that it was threatening rain! This was a great way to let the community know about our efforts to help teens become better, safer drivers.

 

The twenty-four foot racecar trailer served as our classroom and shelter from the brisk air. Teens and parents barely fit, but you know that they were toasty warm. Larry Boyer’s lively presentation kept everyone engaged until it was time for the next exercises.

 

Parents who watched from the trailer saw a sea of orange cones, cars, and raincoats. It was raining. Perfect! Volunteers from the Badger Chapter and our local BMW Club chapter ran the exercises and coached the drivers, “A little faster!” “Eyes up. Be smooth.” “Too much steering. If you over-correct, you’ll be in trouble.” Drivers didn’t have to do much to get the car to slide, but recovering was somewhat challenging for some.

 

After our lunch break, a cameralady from another television station arrived. She filmed an interview and lots of the action in the exercises. We even put her in a car so she could get the view from the passenger’s seat. Her edited video ran twice that evening. Needless to say, we were elated to have another opportunity to spread the word about our Teen Driving Clinics. 

 

We are extremely grateful to the Shell Oil Company for sponsoring this event. Their generosity enabled us to pay all the costs of the event and give each participant a special T-shirt with the Shell logo. There’s no doubt that we are making a difference. Take a look at what some of the parents and drivers had to say.

 

“A huge thank you to all of people who were responsible for offering and conducting the driving clinic. The instructors deserve a medal for standing outside in 40-degree weather with constant rain. This event is extremely worthwhile and we will definitely participate again. The most difficult part of the clinic was getting my teenager out of bed Saturday morning.

 

The mix of classroom instruction and actual driving exercises was well thought out and kept everyone’s attention. There were very few idle moments.

 

I know my 16-year-old son had a great time and learned a lot of things that are not taught in the driver’s education classes. This type of instruction provides the next set of skills and awareness that should be mandatory for all drivers.

 

Thank you again for the valuable experience.”                               Steve Hoelter

 

“My son Jordan had a great time and said he was surprised at the amount of car control possible in the rain. He said he had never driven with cones before and had fun and learned a lot. I felt the event was run extremely well. I also didn't mind the rain too much seeing the kids out there having fun (and learning).

 

Lastly good choice on the lunch!”                                                  Dave Szewczykowsk

 

 

“I loved the clinic. The presentations were clear and well done. The practices were fantastic and all drivers were given lots of time to practice. I learned a lot about the handling of my car and what it can do. It gives me more confidence. I will highly recommend it and will participate as well.”

 

Lucia Bakemeyer

 

Many thanks to Clarence Behrend, Sachin Shah, Chris Fredette, Charles High, Mark Prodoehl, Mike Witas, Paul Szedziewski, Todd Erickson, Paul Luebke, Patty Clemens, Nancy Priem, Mary Medo, and Larry Boyer for all they did to make this a fantastic event.

 

Damp and cold, the volunteers and instructors wrapped up the day by congratulating the drivers for doing a spectacular job and handing out completion certificates. Sure, cones bounced around here and there, it rained a lot, and some radiator hose clamps had to be tightened. Isn’t that a perfect day for a Teen Streetwise Driver Clinic?