In order to address this alarming trend, the CHP developed a program called Start Smart. Start Smart is aimed at helping newly licensed and future licensed teenage drivers understand the critical responsibilities of driving and to understand that accidents do happen, but collisions are 100 percent preventable.
The primary objective of Start Smart is to provide teens and their parent/guardians with an interactive safe driving awareness class which will illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel of a car can affect the lives of numerous people.
CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities, and seatbelt usage. Additionally, 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.
Some vehicle insurance companies have been reported to provide a discounted rate for teen drivers that attend this class.
RSVPs must be made via telephone or in person to the San Andreas CHP Office. Space is limited and at least one parent or guardian is required to attend with their teen.
This class will be at Mark Twain Medical Center on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 6PM to 8PM.
For more information or to make reservations for the class, please call (209) 754-3541.