Teen Driver Challenge Set to Promote Safer Driving in St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County in Florida is one of the 32 counties statewide that is launching a program aimed at teen drivers which is intended to teach safety while building confidence. Enrollment into the program is already skyrocketing as parents usher their teens from neighboring counties over to St. Lucie to participate in the course. The pilot program was launched in 2006 by the Leon County Sherriff’s office as a response to statistical information about teen crashes and teen accident fatalities. The courses only holds fifteen students at a time and supporters rave that none of the students who have enrolled in it since the program began have been involved in a teen collision fatality.

So what is the teen driver challenge and why is it so different from other driving classes?

The teen driver challenge is a course planned specifically for an audience of 15-19 year olds who might not be as informed as they should be in regards to controversial topics such as speeding, DUI, and controversial maneuvers such as cornering and hydroplaning. The course has been described as a confidence builder for timid teen drivers and an eye opener for potentially reckless teen drivers. The program was designed to reduce not just the number of fatalities and injuries caused by careless teen driving, but also to reduce the number of DUI arrests.

Teens in attendance will get an up close and personal look at the dynamics of motor vehicles, the consequences of human errors, the effects of impairing substances such as drugs and alcohol and the lesser discussed aspects of driving such as what happens when a vehicle hydroplanes and ways to deal with night vision obstacles. Throughout the day, they will listen, learn, drive and watch as the instructors demonstrate a multitude of hazardous possibilities and ways to avoid making mistakes. The program puts a heavy emphasis on confidence, sobriety and safety behind the wheel all the while presenting a wide array of scenarios they might not be exposed to in other driving courses.

The Benefits of Enrolling Your Teen

While the in-depth course has a wide variety of safety benefits attached to attendance, enrolling your teen could also save you money when they apply for car insurance. Participants are urged to consult with their insurance providers to find out if taking the course could also be of financial benefit. Another benefit to this course is the fact that the instructors are certified law enforcement experts with a great deal of knowledge and hands on training under their belts.

When and Where

The St. Lucie County teen driver challenge will take place on September 11^th from 5:30-9:30pm and September 13^th from 8am-5pm. The program is offered four times per year and enrollment is entirely free so if you or your teen can’t make it in this September, catching the challenge on a later date is always an option. Teen drivers will meet with their instructors in the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office training room this time around and further information can be acquired by dialing 772-462-3607.