Teens, young adults can take safe driving course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Valley teens and young adults have the opportunity to practice defensive driving techniques with race car drivers at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend.

Traffic safety organizations Zero Teen Fatalities and Driver’s Edge are putting on the free, half-day program for anyone 21 and younger with a valid drivers license or permit. Participants will learn in a classroom environment in addition to training behind the wheel.

The program will teach practical driving techniques with exercises about panic braking, skid control, evasive lane changes and anti-lock brake systems. Classroom instruction will involve local law enforcement and vehicle care information.

The event is supported by the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s traffic safety office to raise awareness for national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which started in 2010 and is held in April.

Sessions are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Registration is required. The program is also being held next weekend and again in May.

Register online at http://events.driversedge.org/events/Register.aspx?EventID=253.

Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @WesJuhl.