Mercedes Launches Teen Driving School

Mercedes-Benz USA thinks it can do a better job of teaching teens how to drive.

It will launch at the end of the year the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy and promises an “innovative” approach that goes beyond basic car control skills and the rote learning of traffic rules.

Research shows the U.S. formula of 30 hours of education class followed by 6 hours of in-car training isn’t good enough, says the car maker.

“Despite the dramatic changes in vehicles, highways, and the driving environment over the past 60 years, driver education remains relatively unchanged in the U.S.,” said Alexander Hobbach, senior manager, Daimler AG. “The skills required to simply get a license do not fully prepare young drivers to meet the demands of the road.”

Mercedes already has a such a program in the U.K. where it claims success. It plans to take its U.K. teaching methods and combine them with U.S. Dept. of Motor Vehicles rules. “Mercedes-Benz has already met with DMV representatives to discuss the development of an integrated curriculum that fulfills all state requirements, which positions the company as the first and only auto manufacturer to offer a complete, state-certified driving school in the U.S.” it said in a statement.

Ninety percent of crashes are due to human error, so there’s plenty of room for improving driving skills. Also there’s a disproportionately high rate of accidents among teens. Those aged 16 to 19 are four times more likely to crash than adults. And technology is adding to driver distraction, said the company.

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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