"Start Smart" to be offered in Monterey

"Start Smart," a driving safety class for teens, will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 in Monterey.

Designed by the California Highway Patrol, "Start Smart" is a free, two-hour class for current and prospective drivers ages 15-19 to promote safe driving habits. In a typical class, CHP officers speak directly to the newly licensed driver and their parents/guardians and discuss topics such as collision avoidance techniques along with collision causing elements such as excessive speed, DUI, and distracted driving. Start Smart makes teens and parents aware of the responsibilities they face and teaches what precautions to take to stay safe; such as the importance of seat belt unsafe, passengers in the vehicle and what to do when involved in a collision.

For more information about Start Smart, click here.

In the past, CHP’s local representatives have only hosted the classes in Salinas. But next month, they’ll expand to host a class at Capital Insurance Group, 2300 Garden Rd., in Monterey. The insurance company is offering a modest discount for students who take the class and keep a 3.0 GPA or higher.

For more information or to save a spot, call  (831) 770-8038.

Start Smart classes to train better drivers

The California Highway Patrol is once again offering “Start Smart,” a class designed to reduce the number of collisions and injuries involving teen drivers. California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between the ages of 15-20. “This tragic loss of young lives is a concern to us, and we hope this program can reduce the death toll,” said CHP Captain William Perlstein. Start Smart addresses traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers. Start Smart speaks directly to the newly licensed drivers and their parents/guardians. This program entails collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, driver responsibilities, a number of testimonials from parents whose children have perished in collisions, and local area traffic collision trends. Start Smart makes teens and parents aware of the responsibilities they face and teaches what precautions to take to stay safe. The next class is scheduled for February 6th at 6:00 PM, and will be held at the CHP Monterey Area office, which is located at 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) 796-2197.