Nature of Incident: Police Department Offers “Start Smart” Driving Program for Young Adult Drivers
Location: Thousand Oaks Police Station
Community Room
2101 E. Olsen Rd.
Date & Time: Thursday, December 20th , 2018, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department – Traffic Bureau
Narrative
The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future licensed drivers on December 20th at the Thousand Oaks Police Station Community Room. The “Start Smart” Driving Program is a cooperative effort between the California Highway Patrol, Thousand Oaks Police Department, teenage drivers, and their parents.
Nationwide, 43 percent of first-year drivers and 37 percent of second-year drivers are involved in car crashes. The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.
In an attempt to remain proactive and not reactive, the Start Smart Program is designed to help young drivers and their parents/guardians understand the responsibilities associated with driving a motor vehicle. Start Smart will show how a poor choice behind the wheel can change the lives of everyone involved. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the number of teen-related injuries and deaths due to collisions.
To make a reservation, interested parents are asked to call the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271. Space is limited to 25 students and their parents. There is no charge to attend the program.
Prepared by:
Deputy Mike Sinacori
Media Release Date: December 4, 2018
Media Follow-Up Contact: Deputy Mike Sinacori
michael.sinacori@ventura.org
(805) 494-8290
Approved by: Captain Don Aguilar