CLEARLAKE — The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is returning to Lake County to conduct a teen-driving clinic aimed at helping young people become better drivers.
The session will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 at Redbud Park in Clearlake.
“We approached the City of Clearlake and they have been great. They suggested Redbud Park and it has a big parking area, plenty of room to conduct the drills,” California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Kory Reynolds said.
“People approach me all the time telling me they are worried about their teen driver. This event is one of the best, if not the best thing you can do for them,” he added.
NASA operates the Teen Car Control Clinic as a nonprofit organization. A $99 fee is charged but is used to cover insurance costs. Scholarships are available.
“The $99 is tax deductible. After the insurance is paid anything left over is put into the scholarship fund,” Reynolds said, adding that 12 scholarships were issued at the last event.
In October, NASA worked with the Clear Lake Area CHP to conduct the same clinic.
“It was a great event, you could see the kids getting better as the day went on and as they got more confident in their skills,” Reynolds said. “We are hoping this event will be even bigger and better.”
NASA has offered sessions across the country, focusing on teaching teens how their cars will react in emergency situations.
Participants will perform drills such as split-decision braking, reverse driving, skid pad, and parallel parking.
“They perform these drills using their own cars so they know how their car will react,” Reynolds said.
He added that his daughter took part in the October event.
“I know parents are thinking ”what about my car?” But these are things our cars are made to do. My daughter is a much better driver thanks to NASA; I can”t thank them enough,” Reynolds said.
To learn more about NASA and the clinic, visit NASAcarcontrol.org or call event director Will Faules at 510-232-6272 or Reynolds at 279-0103.
