Evansville Area Teens Can Take the Wheel at This Free Driving Experience

It Was the 90s!

I remember when my parents taught me how to drive. I love my mom, but she was a total bundle of nerves, which made my anxiety just go off the charts. I felt like I did okay with the driving instructor at school, but getting in the car with her was stressful for both of us. So, most of my practice came with my dad.

My dad was the most relaxed, calm, cool person I’ve ever met. And no, I didn’t inherit any of that. I got my mom’s hot head.

How I Learned to Drive

One summer afternoon, while I had my permit, my dad told me to pack a bag. We were going to drive to Arizona to help my sister move. And by “we,” he meant me, driving his brand-new diesel F250 all the way across the country while he “supervised” from the passenger seat. Let’s just say, I learned a lot on that trip.

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More Safety Technology These Days

Teens today have way more technology to help them. I didn’t have a backup camera, or self-driving features, GPS, or a million sensors like I do now. I had to figure it all out the hard way. And yes, I might have bumped into the garage while backing out once. Still unconfirmed if it was actually me.

Teens these days have the opportunity to start their driving experience in virtual settings, unlike me, who started mine in my grandma's old Ford on her farm in Wisconsin.

Free Rule the Road Event Coming to Evansville

That’s why I think this event is so cool. The Alliance Highway Safety agency has teamed up with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to offer a free event to help teen drivers and their parents get ready for one of life’s biggest responsibilities - driving.

If you're a parent of a teen or know a new driver who could use some hands-on experience, mark your calendar for the Evansville Rule the Road Event at Christian Fellowship Church on June 14. From 9 AM to 3 PM, teens will have the chance to practice parking, work through distractions behind the wheel, learn how to parallel park, and participate in impaired and distracted driving simulations. They’ll also go through seatbelt safety demos and get some basic car maintenance tips.

Sign Up Now!

It’s completely free, but registration is required. You can sign up at ruletheroadindiana.com.