Stearns County is extending efforts to prevent deadly road crashes in teens and young drivers.

The county says traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in young people.

Parents and young drivers are invited to an annual teen safe driving program, which will provide participants with hands-on experience in tough terrain. Professional instructors will guide drivers through a fast-paced course with challenging maneuvers.

Two sessions of this class will be offered in a four-hour time frame. Vehicles will be provided by the Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center, who is partnering with State Farm Insurance to make this program possible.

It will take place Saturday, July 16, at the advanced driving range at the Highway Safety and Research Center. It’s located at 1805 U.S. Highway 10 South in St. Cloud.

The first test drive will be held from 8-12:30 p.m. and the second from 1:15-5:30 p.m. There is a fee to attend and registration is required on the safety center’s website.