Illinois state officials are crediting Ford Motor Company Fund's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) teen safe driving program for helping reduce the state's teen auto fatalities by 61 percent reduction thus far in 2008.

Older drivers who couple classroom courses with behind-the-wheel training can significantly improve their driving performance, according to a report published in the latest issue of The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences (Vol. 62A, No. 10).

To mark National Teen Safe Driver Week, Oct. 15-20, Ford Motor Company’s Driving Skills for Life program is conducting one of its trademark hands-on instruction clinics in Los Angeles. On Oct. 16 and 17, some 300 students are expected to get behind the wheel with professional drivers who will coach them on hazard recognition; vehicle handling; space management; and speed management.