Free 'Start Smart' Drivers Education Course Offered Monday In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA —The California Highway Patrol offers a free "Start Smart" driving program for young and novice drivers in Southwest Riverside County.

The two-hour class will be held in Temecula from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 20, at Temecula City Hall, located at 41000 Main Street.

Parents are encouraged to attend.

"A teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours nationwide. That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year," CHP Officer Mike Lassig said. "Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in traffic collisions. Education can substantially reduce or prevent These deaths and injuries by eliminating high-risk driving behaviors."

According to Lassig, the California Highway Patrol program can help prevent these tragedies.

What is Start Smart?

The "Start Smart" course 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," Lassig said."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.

To register or take the class, please email Officer Mike Lassig at [email protected].

For questions, contact Officer Mike Lassig by email or phone at (951) 466-4300.

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding for this program.