Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 8, 2009 –AAA Arizona has recently added the Elite Driver Training Program from the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving to its Approved Driving School Network (ADSN) to give families the necessary training to stay safer on today’s roads. 

“We are happy to add the highly-acclaimed Bondurant Elite Driver Training Program to our esteemed driving school network,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona.  “Bondurant provides world class service and enhanced driver training programs that are famously known around the world, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with them.”  

The Elite Driver Program is a course offered by Bondurant in partnership with DrivingMBA to provide teens with the proper foundation to become safer drivers, including increased confidence, awareness of your surroundings, a better understanding of personal and vehicle limitations, and respect for the road.    

“The Bondurant School is proud to partner with AAA and its Official Driving School Program, “said Ken Thom, President and General Manager of Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. “As a leader in advanced driver training, we are dedicated to teaching safe driving skills and we look forward to working closely with AAA members.”  

The Motor Vehicle Division’s Motor Vehicle Crash Facts reported that 56,946 individuals were killed or injured on Arizona’s roadways in 2008.  With numbers like these, it is imperative that drivers seek the best schools for their driver training.  Bondurant, Driving MBA and Desert Driving School are the three schools currently in the ADSN network. Their specialties include: 

Bondurant School of High Performance Driving

• World-class training facility.Accident avoidance exercises with emergency lane changes and braking distances.Skid control in Bondurant skid cars.
• ABS brake and turn exercise.
  
  

 Driving MBA (Scottsdale and Chandler Locations)

• Courses for pre-permit, permit and newly licensed drivers. State-of-the-art simulation program. Basic driving fundamentals and defensive driving techniques.Assessments based on reaction times, visual acuity and physical abilities.
• Skills assessment course for mature operators (seniors)
  

Desert Driving School (Phoenix)

• Courses for novice drivers seeking an Arizona permit or driver's license.Recognizing traffic signals and signs.  Behind-the-wheel instruction on city and highway roads.
• Parallel parking instructions.
  

“Many people may not know what to look for when it comes to driving schools,” said Gorman. “With the Approved Driving School Network, we have done the homework for you. Every school that applies must pass a stringent list of requirements to get the AAA seal of approval.” 

All schools in AAA Arizona’s Approved Driving School Network must adhere to the following standards:

• Offer reduced rates to AAA members.
• Agree to binding arbitration if there is a dispute with a AAA member.
• Provide novice driver and/or driver improvement programs using either AAA curriculum or curriculum approved by AAA driver training staff.
• Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General’s office.
• Hold liability insurance.
• Maintain at least a 90 percent customer approval rating.
  
• Agree to an annual inspection of the school, equipment and vehicles.

AAA Arizona continues to seek and evaluate additional schools that may be interested in becoming a part of the network. To find contact information or learn more about the schools in the ADSN, visit  www.aaaaz.com/news/articles/ADSN.htm.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.