NEWS from AAA South Dakota, July 18 2007 – A new parent-taught driver’s education program has been introduced in the state by AAA South Dakota. Called Take the Wheel, the parent’s kit contains everything needed to teach a teenager how to drive from scratch, both textbook and behind-the-wheel instructional materials.

“Young drivers are involved in more crashes than any other age group. Last year in South Dakota, teenage drivers were involved in more than 17 percent of all crashes,” said Mark Madeja, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. “With more and more high schools dropping Driver’s Ed., we feel we have an obligation to offer parents the tools they need to help prevent their teens from getting into a crash.”

AAA wrote the first Driver’s Ed. book in the 1930s and has remained the leader nationwide in driver and traffic safety education. The Take the Wheel curriculum package includes complete “how to drive” lessons, as well as the latest information on drinking and driving, road rage, cell phone use, drowsy driving, distractions in the car and what to do when your vehicle breaks down. A handy passenger-side rearview mirror is included along with a copy of the South Dakota Driver License Manual.

As a not-for-profit organization, AAA can offer this vital kit inexpensively, plus there’s a AAA discount for members. It is available at AAA South Dakota offices located in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen and Pierre – or by calling (800) 222-4545 – or by going online to http://www.aaatakethewheelsd.com/.