CHP Smart Start Class
updated: Dec 27, 2012, 12:45 PM

Source: California Highway Patrol

The California Highway Patrol's Start Smart program is a driver safety education class that targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15-17, their parents, and guardians. CHP Officers discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causational factors, driver/parent responsibilities, seatbelt usage, etc... Testimonies are provided by officers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens, along with the latest "RED ASPHALT" video which chronicles the aftermath of several teenage driver collisions. The CHP offers the Start Smart program to help newly and future licensed teen drivers become more aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. The next Start Smart class is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 6:00 PM and will run to approximately 8 PM. The class will be held in the Ashton Conference Room, in the medical building, at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVH), 5333 Hollister Avenue. Parking is available all along the building and the conference room is directly inside the main entrance.

California teen drivers are found at fault in 66% of all fatal collisions that they are involved in, although they represent only 4% of the state's licensed drivers. California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between the ages of 15-20, and motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for Americans in this age bracket. "This tragic loss of young lives is a concern to us, and we hope this program can reduce the death toll," stated CHP Captain Marty Maples. Teenagers average twice as many accidents as adult drivers while driving only half as many miles, making the teen accident rate per mile four times that of adults.

If you are under 18 years of age, your risk of a fatal accident is about 2.5 times that of the average driver and your risk of an injury accident is three times higher than the average driver. Teen drivers MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 357633P	2012-12-27 01:51 PM
That is a terrific idea. Wish they had had that when my kids were first learning to drive and it is even more important now what with smart phones and texting.
COMMENT 357693	2012-12-27 06:41 PM
Thanks for doing this. It takes all of us reinforcing the message to make lifelong responsible drivers.
COMMENT 357755	2012-12-28 07:51 AM
It is a very good idea but what about raising the legal driving age to 18?
COMMENT 357764	2012-12-28 08:14 AM
What a great program!

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