High-tech drivers ed for digitally savvy teens

Regular Springwise readers may recall Brightstorm, the company we covered back in 2008 that offers an online video network designed to help teens prepare for college. Aiming to update drivers ed with a like-minded dose of technology for today’s digitally savvy youth, New York-based Fresh Green Light combines simulators and online tutoring with on-the-road instruction. Billing itself as a driving school for the 21st century, Rye, NY-based Fresh Green Light serves multiple communities in Westchester County with its updated driving lessons incorporating driving simulators, behind-the-wheel driving lessons and online instruction. Its full USD 1,495 package aimed at beginning teen drivers, for instance, includes four 90-minute sessions on a state-of-the-art driving simulator, which lets students experience routine and extreme driving situations without risk to themselves or others. New drivers learn how to drive in rain, snow, fog and darkness on both suburban streets and highways; they also experience the consequences of texting while driving, going too fast or running a red light. Seven 90-minute lessons behind a real wheel are also included, as are an online skill-building program, a 5-hour DMV pre-licensing class, the DMV road test and an online insurance-reduction program. Also available from Fresh Green Light are smaller-scale packages for more advanced teen drivers as well as focused skill drills and a la carte options for drivers of all ages. If anything, today’s teens rely even more heavily on online oxygen than the rest of us do, so it makes good sense to adapt drivers education accordingly. One to partner with or emulate in other parts of the world? (Related: Greener drivers ed — Using video games to make seniors safer drivers.)