The Ford Driving Skills for Life – a free course designed to improve teenage driving skills – comes to Emerald Downs Aug. 18-19.

Instruction will be held in the Downs’ parking lot area from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Separate sessions run from 8 a.m. to noon, and again from 2: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students can attend one of the four sessions.

Teens will drive specially equipped vehicles on closed road courses under the supervision of professional instructors, improving their skills in the four key areas that contribute to more than 60 percent of teen crashes and fatalities: hazard recognition (distractions), vehicle handling and speed/space management.

The specially equipped course and vehicles allow teen drivers to experience potentially threatening situations in a controlled, safe environment.

The event is open to more than 400 teens ages 15 -19 in the Seattle/ Tacoma area who have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. Parents and educators are encouraged to participate as well.

The training is put on by the Ford Motor Company Fund, Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and Governors Highway Safety Association.

Register online at www.drivingskillsforlife.com. Space is limited. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.