Temecula CHP Offering Free Class Aimed At Saving Young Drivers' Lives

TEMECULA, CA — Too many teenagers die in traffic collisions each year. According to the California Highway Patrol, a teen is killed every four hours in crashes across the United States.

"That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year. Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in traffic collisions," the CHP reported.

The CHP Temecula Area Office is working to reduce and prevent high-risk driving behaviors among teens by offering a free class focused on comprehensive traffic safety education that is geared toward young drivers and their parents.

The CHP's "Start Smart" class "employs innovative techniques to capture the attention of teenagers and parents, providing a lasting experience," according to the agency.

The curriculum includes information on crash statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver license laws, cultural changes in today’s society, and the need for more parental involvement in a teenager’s driving experience.

The free Start Smart class will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at Temecula City Hall, 41000 Main Street. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children.

To register for the class, email CHP Officer Mike Lassig at [email protected]

For questions, contact Lassig by email or call him at 951-466-4300.

Funding for the Start Smart program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.