According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), statistics show that drivers under the age of 18 are two times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident and three times more likely to be injured in a collision than adult drivers. Teen drivers are found at fault in 66% of all fatal collisions that they are involved in, although they only represent 4% of the state’s licensed drivers. In addition, the leading cause of death for Americans 15 to 20 years old is motor vehicle collisions. What preventive measures can you take as a parent or student to ensure you are a smart driver on the road?
The California Highway Patrol, Contra Costa Office conducts a two hour driver safety education class called “Start Smart,” which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers, ages 15 to 20 years old, and their parents or legal guardians. CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities, and seatbelt usage. Testimonies will be provided by officers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens, and by family members who have lost love ones in traffic collisions.
The next available “Start Smart” classes will be held at:
California Highway Patrol-Contra Costa Office
5001 Blum Road, Martinez, California 94553.
All classes start at 6:00 pm for the following 2013 dates:
Monday, October 7th and Tuesday, October 8th
Monday, November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th
and Monday, December 2nd and Tuesday, December 3rd.
To enroll yourself and your teen in one of the upcoming Start Smart classes contact the California Highway Patrol, Contra Costa Office at 925-646-4980.
2 comments
Our daughter Mariah took this class recently. We all found it VERY VALUABLE! CHP Officer Franzen is an excellent instructor and teaches these new drivers many of the risks associated with dangerous and inattentive driving. The program is free. Please take advantage of it if you have a new driver in your household. They also offer a Senior Driving Safety program too! M
All teens should take this class! For people not able to attend, any possibility they can post their training materials online so everyone can benefit from them?
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