Akron-area teens will soon have the chance to improve their driving skills at Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart, a free driving experience focused on safety and smart decision-making. According to the Department of Transportation, traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. Bridgestone said it created Teens Drive Smart to help reduce that risk through classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Program Builds Defensive Driving Skills
Professional drivers will guide participants through accident prevention, defensive techniques, and safe practices in hazardous weather. The program also addresses the dangers of distracted driving… skills often not emphasized in traditional driver’s education. Teens Drive Smart aims to prepare young drivers for real-world challenges beyond the basics, Bridgestone said.
The free event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Firestone Stadium in Akron. Two sessions are scheduled: Session 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Session 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Media availability will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is open at Akron.TeensDriveSmart2025.com.
Participants must be 15–21 years old with a valid license or learner’s permit. Teens with at least 30 hours of driving experience will benefit most from the instruction, according to Bridgestone.
Part Of Bridgestone Safe Communities
Bridgestone’s Drive Smart program is part of the new Bridgestone Safe Communities program, which supports safer travel by car, bike, or foot. Akron is the third city to host a Teens Drive Smart event in 2025, following Nashville and Houston. The Akron program will feature Jonathon Bruhin, Consumer Sales Training Manager at Bridgestone Americas, alongside professional instructors with motorsports, stunt driving, and test track backgrounds.
