Promoting Young Adult and Teen Driver Safety Through Real-World Experiences
In 2025, Portland International Raceway was proud to host three Oregon Region Street Survival events aimed at empowering young adults and teens with the skills necessary to stay safe behind the wheel. Each event brought together dedicated in-car coaches, enthusiastic volunteers, and, most importantly, around 40 new drivers eager to learn how to navigate real-world driving hazards.
Highlights and Success Stories
The first event of the year kicked off in March, welcoming over 40 participants. Through hands-on exercises such as skid control, emergency braking, and obstacle avoidance, attendees gained firsthand experience in handling unexpected situations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many students and parents expressing relief and gratitude for the practical training and the classroom education they had received.
The final event, scheduled for October, had a large waitlist so the team decided to add a third event to enable this potentially lifesaving training to be given to as many new drivers as possible. Both events ran at capacity, 40 students, supported by a team of over 30 volunteers. The October event was an especially wet day, great! The torrential rain ensured the in-car exercise simulated a realistic Oregon day.
The Importance of Young Adult and Teen Driver Safety
Teen and young adult drivers face unique challenges and risks, often due to inexperience. According to national statistics, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States. This is why programs like Street Survival are so critical, they bridge the gap between classroom driver education and real-world driving experience.
By teaching young drivers to anticipate hazards and make smart decisions, we can help prevent injuries and save lives. These events not only equip participants with technical skills but also foster a culture of responsibility and mindfulness on the road.
Learn More and Get Involved
We are grateful to everyone who participated and supported our 2025 Oregon Region Street Survival events and look forward to organizing at least two events in 2026. If you are interested in learning more about the program or want to get involved, please visit www.streetsurvival.org for resources, event schedules, and volunteer opportunities. Or contact the Street Survival Oregon Region organizer, Mick Posner, mickposner@icloud.com.
Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of young drivers and build safer communities for everyone.
