Richard Petty Driving Experience Completes Safe Driving Program at Texas A&M University: The Richard Petty Driving Experience completed a successful first day of its Safe Driving Program at Texas A&M University on Thursday with President Robert M. Gates and NASCAR legend Kyle Petty participating in the driving skills. The half-day sessions allowed participating students to receive hands-on training designed to make them more safety conscious when behind the steering wheel. It is the first university-oriented program of its type offered in Texas and the program will conclude tomorrow. “We hold what may be a national record that we wish we didnt hold Texas A&M lost 15 students in auto accidents last year, Gates told the media before the demonstrations. Having a program like Richard Petty Driving Experience Safe Driving Program, where many of our students can learn safe driving techniques, is a real benefit for us. I want to thank the entire Petty family for sponsoring this very educational program. The safe-driving program was divided into four areas, each designed to educate students about the dangers associated with motor vehicles. Students participated in behind-the-wheel training through modules that include skid control, braking skills, crash avoidance and a tailgating/following distance exercise. Students participated in the program free of charge, thanks to generous sponsorship support from Dodge, Coca-Cola and General Mills. Richard Petty Driving Experience Safe Driving Program will be offered at Texas A&M again on Nov. 23. For more information, call 1-800-BE-PETTY or visit www.1800bepetty.com.(10-1-2006)
