Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Coaches Teens To Be Safer Drivers With Distracted Driving Demonstrations

LOS ANGELES--April 2, 2014: In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and California Teen Safe Driving Week, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is teaming up with Impact Teen Drivers, California Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol (CHP) to host teen driver safety events in Southern California. The events are designed to increase awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and help teens become safer and more responsible drivers.

As part of the events in Los Angeles and San Diego, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, a California DMV-certified teen driving school, is coaching teens through a closed distracted driving course. The demonstrations will take place at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, CA on Wednesday, April 2 and at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on April 3.

For a third year, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is hosting driver safety demonstrations during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of vehicle safety and innovation throughout its 128-year history. The Driving Academy is a natural extension of the company's goal of accident-free driving.

The driving demonstrations allow students to drive on a closed course, first without distractions, and then again with the introduction of distractions – ranging from noisy passengers to cell phone usage to performing simple tasks within the vehicle.

"The number one cause of death amongst teens is car crashes, with 90% of crashes due to driver error. It's disheartening because these tragedies are preventable," said Carolyn Duchene, director of Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. "Parents can make a huge difference by simply being role models behind the wheel."

To help avoid driving distractions, Duchene offers these tips for both parents and teens:

Before you leave

Plan ahead by mapping out and reviewing your route before you start your drive Adjust mirrors, seats, climate control and radio before you start driving or ask your passenger Turn off your cell phone or place it out of reach. Store it in a glove compartment, back seat or in the trunk Have a snack prior to driving to help avoid eating while you are driving

While driving

Pull over if you need to make a call or send a text message Be a responsible passenger. Do not allow anyone to drive you if they are distracted Do a "head-check": How are you feeling? Are you anxious? Do you feel sick? Are you feeling stressed out? Make sure your mind is on driving before you even make your trip!

Throughout April, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is offering free Parent Teen Workshops in Los Angeles, Orange County. Later this spring workshops will also be available in San Diego County. During the workshops, certified Mercedes-Benz Driving Coaches provide valuable information on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, teen driving statistics, strategies for safe driving, and tips on how to choose the best driving school to meet your needs.

For more details interested teens and parents should contact the Academy directly at 855-MBDA-USA (855-623-2872) or visit us online at MB-DrivingAcademy.com.

About Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy opened in Los Angeles in November 2011 and is the first international teen driving school. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive manufacturer to operate a state-certified driver education program in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy features a customized curriculum involving a highly interactive, participatory system of key tactical on-line and classroom components in conjunction with on-road training. The school's highly effective coaching-method and unique offerings, including a closed course distracted driving demonstration, aims to improve better decision-making behind the wheel and develop safer drivers for life.