The California Highway Patrol (CHP) launched a successful 18 month “Start Smart” pilot program in the Sacramento and Stockton CHP Areas. The program was designed as an educational tool for parents and teenagers in an effort to reduce the number of teenage injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

National statistics indicate that California has the second highest fatality rate involving teenage drivers. In an effort to reduce this statistic, the Department has launched Start Smart II, a Statewide Teen Driver Safety Education Program. Approximately 80 CHP Field Areas will participate in the Start Smart Program. The Department’s objective is to facilitate a minimum of 1,000 Start Smart Classes and reach 10,000 students over an 18 month period (01/01/06 thru 06/30/07). The Amador Area CHP Office will continue to offer the Start Smart Classes as long as there is an interest from the community.

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. The classes will also encompass the following: The CHP’s Mission (Safety, Security and Service), responsibilities of newly licensed drivers, responsibilities of parents/guardians and collision avoidance techniques.

For questions regarding Start Smart Classes held at the Amador CHP Office contact Officers John Hardey or Craig Harmon . (209)223-4890.

See also more valuable information on Teen Driving at the CHP website: www.chp.ca.gov/community