CHP offers 'Start Smart' driver ed program for teens

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

TEMECULA – A teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours nationwide. That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year. Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in traffic collisions. These deaths and injuries can be substantially reduced or prevented by eliminating high-risk driving behaviors through education. The California Highway Patrol’s “Start Smart” program can help prevent these tragedies.

The Start Smart program focuses on providing comprehensive traffic safety education classes for teenagers and their parents. Start Smart employs innovative techniques to capture the attention of teenagers and parents, providing a lasting experience. The curriculum includes information on collision statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver license (GDL) laws, cultural changes in today’s society, and the need for stronger parental involvement in a teenager’s driving experience.

The CHP, Temecula Area will be hosting a Start Smart class on Tuesday, May 30, located at Temecula City Hall, 41000 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. The class will be from 6-8 p.m. The class is FREE and parents are encouraged to attend. Seating is limited.

To Register, log onto www.Eventbrite.com, search and click on Free CHP Start Smart class – Temecula Area. For questions, contact Officer Mike Lassig at MLassig@chp.ca.gov.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.