CHP class offered to help teen drivers

Because teen drivers are found at fault in 66 percent of all fatal collisions in which they are involved – although they only represent four percent of the state’s licensed drivers – the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has developed the Start Smart program to help educate them.

The Start Smart program is a free driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 and their parents/guardians.

In the class, CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision-causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities and seatbelt usage.

Additionally, testimonies will be provided by officers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens.

Teenagers and their parents are invited to attend the next Start Smart class on March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CHP office at 1888 Oceanside Blvd. in Oceanside. For more information, contact Officer Eric Newbury at (760) 757-0824.