It was a deadly weekend in Monterey County...

a good time to remind young people of the skills they need to be safe on the road.

Five people were killed and four seriously injured in three separate traffic accidents in Monterey County on Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol reported. You can read all about hit here.

None of the collisions were caused by young drivers. Still, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenage drivers, and California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between 15-20, CPH says.

Sooo,

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaching “Start Smart” a program that teaches traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers "in a way no other program does." Start Smart speaks directly to the newly licensed drivers and their parents/guardians. This program has collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements (read texting and driving), driver responsibilities, a number of testimonials from parents whose children have perished in collisions, and local area traffic collision trends.

The next "Start Smart" class is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 29th at the CHP Monterey Area office, 960 E. Blanco Road, Salinas. The Class is free of charge and parents/guardians are asked to attend with their teenage driver. For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Officer Robert Lehman, at (831)796-2130.