The teenage driver swerved the car to avoid an obstacle in his path. A crunch underneath signaled a less-than-successful attempt.
No problem. He’ll do better next time.
The driver, a student in the Toyota Driving Expectations program, ran over a few cones. But he learned what it was like to swerve a car without actual pedestrians in his way.
‘We want them to experience that here, not on the road,? said Gordon Cole, Toyota spokesman.
Teen drivers and their parents from all over southeast Michigan descended on Clarkston April 27-29. The parking lot at DTE Music Theater was transformed into a training center, with tents for classrooms and cones set up into driving courses.
Professional drivers offered advice and tips as the students maneuvered through simulated obstacles. They slammed their brakes on wet and dry pavement, and tested their ability to concentrate on driving while talking on a cell phone, listening to loud music, drinking water.
Toyota is offering the program nationally. Participation is free, and the auto company provides its own vehicles for the training.
For more information, check www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com.