Local High Schoolers Compete In Safe Driving Competition

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- After a quick lesson on the course, students from 10 area high schools showed off their skills behind the wheel.

The new drivers took part in a safe driving competition Thursday at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

"It's definitely kind of hard to drive through the tennis balls that are three inches apart from your tire;, it was kind of hard," said Taylor Duchon, of Baldwin High School.

"I wouldn't say it was hard, but it was definitely a little nerve-racking; everyone is kind of watching," added Colton Claytor, of Cornell High School. "It's kind of on you so, but it wasn't bad."

The students had to maneuver around construction cones and parallel park.

They had mixed reviews on the course, but they all agreed the contest organized by police, PennDOT, and other agencies was a good safety test.

And that's the whole point of the competition.

"It gives an opportunity to really put their skills to test, see if they really absorb what they learn when they were learning how to drive and it also just brings awareness to them of the things they need to be careful of when they are out there operating a vehicle," said Trooper Robin Mungo, of Pennsylvania State Police.

Up for grabs in the contest is more than $2,000 in individual and team prizes.

"They have a lot of fun and it's even better when they win the competition because we do give them financial rewards, so just to kind of thanking them for being a good driver," said Trooper Mungo.

The students also took a written knowledge exam and a perceptual test. The winners will go on to compete in a statewide competition held just outside of Harrisburg in May.

RELATED LINKS:
Driving Skills For Life
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