CHP Offers Free “Start Smart” Class for Teens, Parents

The leading cause of death for Americans 15-20 years old is motor vehicle collisions. In an effort inform and to reduce motor vehicle collisions in California, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division will offer a free Start Smart class. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. 

The recent collision in our area involving teenagers demonstrates the importance of these types of classes. The classes are used to promote traffic safety to both parents and teens.  We encourage both parent/caregivers and teens to attend the class. 

The CHP's Start Smart program is a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 -19 and their parents/guardians.

The Start Smart class will cover collision avoidance techniques, driver responsibility, collision trends, distracted driving laws, alcohol related driving laws and the provisional license process. The program also offers an opportunity for new drivers and parents/guardians to ask CHP Officers clarifying questions. The class incorporates videos and classroom discussion.

A class will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2013 from 6:30 pm till 8:45 pm.  The class will be held at 5026 Don Julio Blvd, Sacramento, CA  95843, in the conference room of the Sewer District building. 

Parents/guardians interested in signing up for the class will need to register for the class by calling Officer Dutton at (916) 338-6710 ext. 247. It is encouraged that parents/guardians attend the class with their teen driver.  Funding for CHP’s Start Smart programs is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA.