Free Class Offered By Temecula CHP Aims To Keep Teen Drivers Safe

TEMECULA, CA — An effort to keep Southwest Riverside County teen drivers from getting killed in traffic crashes is getting underway.

"A teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours nationwide," according to the CHP. "That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year. Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in traffic collisions. These deaths and injuries can be substantially reduced or prevented by eliminating high-risk driving behaviors through education. The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) 'Start Smart' program can help prevent these tragedies."

The California Highway Patrol's Temecula Area office announced Thursday that a free "Start Smart" class will be offered locally on April 28.

Using innovative techniques, the class focuses on providing comprehensive traffic safety education classes for teenagers and their parents. The curriculum includes information on collision statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver license laws, cultural changes in today’s society, and the need for stronger parental involvement in a teenager’s driving experience, the CHP explained.

The CHP's April 28 Start Smart class will be held from 6-8 p.m. at 29737 New Hub Drive, Suite #201, Menifee, CA 92586.

The class is free and one parent is encouraged to attend.

Contact Officer Mike Lassig at 951-506-2000 or MLassig@chp.ca.gov to RSVP.

Seating is very limited due to social distancing. Masks are required.

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