An organization that’s taking illegal races off the street and putting them on a track where they belong was in Wetaskiwin for a special event Sept. 14.
The Youth Initiative & Education in Lifestyles and Driving or YIELD Association, represented by president Gord Buck was at the “Free our Finest” event at the Wetaskiwin Walmart.
Buck, a retired 36-year veteran of the RCMP, said YIELD was created to combat illegal street racing. The association takes racers off the streets and gives them time at Castrol Raceway to compete at high speed.
Buck said street racing is a much more serious problem than most people realize. He stated every year on average on person is killed in Canada in street races.
Buck said YIELD also travels western Canada with a driving simulator that can be very eye-opening, especially for young or new drivers. He said the simulator can simulate distraction or impairment, how these factors affect reflexes and judgment and allows users to travel on actual North American roads.
The association also works with young offenders, employing the association’s resources so everyone learns the dangers of certain behaviors, and how to better navigate the road.
The association had one of their cars, a 1979 le Mans, in Wetaskiwin, and also has a 2000 Camaro plus a 2006 mini Cooper under construction.
You can learn more about YIELD through their Facebook page, YIELD Association.