Simple steps to avoid overcorrecting

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - Seven local teens are dead following a week of tragic car accidents.

The most recent happened early Sunday morning in Sugarcreek Township when a truck veered off Wagner Road and slammed into a tree. Three Bellbrook High School students were killed in the crash and three others were injured.

On Thursday, a Springboro High School students was killed last week when he lost control of his car.

Last weekend, three other teens were killed in Greenville when their car went off the road.
    
"If it isn't a warning, I don't know what is," said Jeff Caldwell, a former Kettering Police officer who now owns PDS Driving School.

Caldwell said the recent crashes are a reminder our young drivers need better training.  "We need to better equip kids. We need to give them the ability to make quicker decisions," he said.     

That is why Caldwell teaches his young drivers advanced skills, such as how to control a skidding car and what to do if the vehicle drops off the pavement.

 "You don't want to look at what you want to miss. You want to look at where you want the car to go and steer the car in that direction," he warned.

 Caldwell also said if your car does go off the pavement, back off the pedals until the car adjusts, then give the wheel a light turn.
 
The most difficult part of the process is fighting the tendency to overcorrect.
    
Caldwell said that's a common mistake, especially if you haven't had the proper training.

"I certainly think we could better train kids. I think we could give them more tools on how to handle things. I think just basic driver's education isn't enough anymore".