FREE Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Class (Martinez)

In an effort to prepare young drivers to drive responsibly, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is partnering with the Contra Costa County Probation Department to offer a new driver education class for drivers, age 15-18, and their parents.

WHAT IS START SMART?

Start Smart, presented by the CHP, addresses such topics as safe driving practices, the rules of the road, and new driver license requirements. Contact Officer Gilmore at daniel.gilmore@chp.ca.gov or 925-586-1879 to confirm your registration to this FREE class. This class is conducted at the Contra Costa County Probation Department at 50 Douglas Drive #200 in Martinez.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of unintentional deaths for Americans 15-20 years old is motor vehicle crashes. The California Highway Patrol’s goal is to reduce the death rate among teenagers caused by these collisions.

WHAT WILL WE COVER?

Start Smart provides teens and their parents/guardians with an interactive safe driving awareness class that will illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel of a vehicle can affect the lives of numerous people.

Start Smart also focuses on the responsibilities of newly licensed drivers, the responsibilities of parents/guardians, and the collision-causing elements for new drivers, especially males, such as excessive speed, driving under the influence, and distracted driving. Start Smart teaches what precautions to take to stay safe, such as seatbelt safety, collision avoidance techniques, and what to do when involved in a collision.

WHAT IS BEING SAID ABOUT THE CLASS?

“We are excited to host Smart Start. This partnership with California Highway Patrol provides youth in Contra Costa County with the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, that ultimately creates safer drivers, and safer communities,” said Ehmen-Krause, Chief Probation Officer.

This class is FREE to the participants. Teen drivers who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion that may be utilized to reduce vehicle insurance fees (ask your insurance company if they offer discounts for participating in additional driver safety classes).