From Steve Tarr – Space Coast Region held its 2nd annual Tire Rack Street Survival event. 24 students (ages 15-21) learned car control skills from certified driving coaches. Driving exercises included: ABS braking, offset slalom, wet skid pad, accident avoidance (emergency lane change), and figure 8 (combining wet skid pad and a cone on dry pavement). There was also a static exercise where Steadfast Racing parked their semi-truck with 4 cars parked around it. Students were educated about blind spots and even got to sit in the truck driver’s seat to see what the driver sees.
Morning and afternoon classroom sessions complemented the driving exercises. Students learned about tire contact patches, proper hand position on the steering wheel, and all sorts of things not taught in driver’s education. There was also an airbag demonstration where an actual airbag was exploded, as students and parents observed from a safe distance.
Driving exercises ended with a combination exercise, where parents were invited to ride along in the backseat. This exercise put together elements learned earlier in the day into a course that showcased driving skills such as weight transfer, hydroplane control, maintenance throttle, smooth steering input, and threshold braking. Parents were amazed at the transformation. Most of the students arrive nervous and timid (and don’t want to be there). By the end of the day, they are all smiles. Typical reports from parents (days later) is that their child talked the entire drive home about everything they learned.
Space Coast’s mission statement: We do this for the young drivers and their families.
For more information about this program: https://streetsurvival.org/
Photos – 2nd Annual Street Survival Event, November 1, 2025 (Photos by Amanda Sperling)
Comments 1
In this day when so many drivers are driving recklessly/too fast, trying to make some kind of point, whatever it is, and instead we are teaching young drivers to drive safely and considerately, so important. So classy. Proud to be a Member.