Street survival event schools student drivers Published June 11, 2013 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Friday is the final day to register for the Tire Rack Street Survival School being held at Keesler, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22. A classroom session at Airman Leadership School, Building 2902, is followed by hands-on driving experiences on Ramp 3 of the flightline. Spaces are limited to the 25 registered participants. Parental consent is needed for those under age 18 or for those with only driver's permits. A limited number of $30 off coupons is available to reduce the $75 program fee. The school's aim is to decrease the number of deadly car crashes involving teenagers by providing them with a coach in a controlled setting where they can gain valuable experience in car control, according to Master Sgt. Samuel Frontera-Ocasio, spokesman from the 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Vehicle accidents are one of the leading safety concerns during the Critical Days of Summer campaign," Frontera-Ocasio said. "Not only are vehicle crashes the leading cause of death for ages 15-20, the total is more than drug, gun and violent crime deaths combined. In 2010, the most recent year with compiled statistics, nearly 2,000 young drivers died in motor vehicle crashes. There are 13 million young drivers out there, and they account for 10 percent of fatal crashes and 14 percent of police-reported crashes." He said that during the class, students are put through challenging situations and experience the difference between driving during dry and wet conditions so they learn to control their own vehicle during emergency situations. "Where state laws and driver's education stop, this program comes into play," Frontera-Ocasio explained. "Keesler is the only Air Force base currently conducting this training. This is the seventh time we've offered the class since our program began in November 2011, and so far, more than 120 young drivers are more experienced and have the knowledge to prevent potential accidents in the future." A team of 30 to 40 volunteers is involved in presenting the program. "Most of our instructors are not only experienced drivers, but also compete in motorsport events where they consistently push cars to the limits and gain valuable experience on vehicle-handling dynamics," Frontera-Ocasio pointed out. "But it's not a course for learning how to drive at high speeds - safety and car control are the objectives." To sign up, call 376-3202 or email samuel.fronteraocasio@us.af.mil or keeslerautox@gmail.com.