Advanced Driving Dynamics

Advanced Driving Dynamics was born from one man’s determination to make a difference. James Snelling read nearly every day about the tragic deaths of teens in car crashes—and he felt driven to help solve the problem. In April 1996, he incorporated Advanced Driving Dynamics in California, with a clear purpose: to offer the public advanced driver education that could reduce highway accidents and fatalities. Early encouragement came from Jim Olson, then Senior Vice President at Toyota Motor Sales, USA. On December 5, 1996, Snelling wrote to Olson to share an update and his driving philosophy. Citing the California Highway Patrol annual report, he noted that while only 22% of the state’s 25 million drivers were under 30 years old, that same group accounted for over 43% of all injury and fatal crashes. The issue, he explained, wasn’t that young drivers were bad—it was that they lacked knowledge of vehicle dynamics, hands-on car control experience, and often held an “it can’t happen to me” attitude. To change that, Advanced Driving Dynamics designed a program that teaches drivers of all ages how to handle the unexpected. Through purposeful exercises, students enhance their ability, expand their car control know-how, and develop sharper reactions and greater confidence for everyday driving.