MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Many Marines consider a speeding ticket issued aboard base to be a serious setback in regards to their personal and professional lives. In actuality, a moving traffic violation is of minor consequence when compared to the fatal accidents that speeding, along with irresponsible and reckless driving, can result in.
Dare to Dream Inc., a racing team whose primary focus is teaching responsibility through educational programs and mentoring, hosted the Need For Speed program at Camp Lejeune, June 21 - 23 to help teach Marines and sailors the importance of driving safe.
“The NFS program teaches high risk drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 the tools to use for safe driving in an effort to lower accident rates for Marines,” said Master Sgt. Larry Inscoe, special projects officer with Installation Safety and Security division, Marine Corps Base.
The program focuses on the prevention of irresponsible and dangerous driving practices by providing interactive driving-safety education, a visual demonstration of what is fact or fiction, and an in-depth overview of safety techniques for both passengers and drivers, according to Liz Faddis, program manager for Driven 2 Dare Inc.
The NFS program was broken into two segments. The first, ‘Train the Trainer’, was designed to give noncommissioned officers the training they need to set a good example for their junior Marines and advise them on safety procedures. The second segment was a safe driving presentation open to all Marines and emphasized vehicle safety, according to Faddis.
The program, which features instruction on passenger safety, driver and vehicle limitations, and engineering differences of cars, creates interest by utilizing a real National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing team and drivers who share their passion for cars and speed with the audience, according to the Dare 2 Dream Web site, www.d2dracing.com.
The NFS program, which was organized by MCB and II Marine Expeditionary Force, concluded with a military appreciation day at Coastal Planes Raceway on June 25, where Marines were able to enjoy watching a race.
“Our goal is to get Marines to participate in a program that they will enjoy and learn a lot from,” said Inscoe. “This program does that.”