Start Smart is the right way to begin teen drivers on the road to safe motoring

Training a new driver is not an easy task. Often, a parent is not sure where to start. And a new driver doesn’t know what questions to ask. The CHP’s Start Smart program is aimed at helping future and newly licensed teenage drivers understand the critical responsibilities of driving.

Start Smart provides teens and their parents or guardians with an interactive driving awareness class that illustrates how poor choices behind the wheel can affect the lives of others. CHP officers speak directly to newly licensed drivers through candid conversation. Officers share stories, answer questions and discuss topics such as collision avoidance techniques and the factors that cause collisions. By understanding the driving habits most likely to cause collisions, students receive fundamental training on how to avoid collisions and stay safe.

The class takes two hours and is free. Students must attend with their full-time driving instructor, usually a parent and or guardian. Throughout the class, officers encourage participants to share their experiences with collision factors. After all, many parents and guardians have real-life knowledge and skills which we can all learn from. Additionally, this sharing lays a common foundation for the new driver and their instructor. By attending Start Smart together, they build a shared knowledge base, which allows for good questions and answers.

Why was the Start Smart program created? The sad truth is, motor vehicle collisions are currently the leading cause of death for Americans ages 15 to 20. The CHP’s goal is to reduce the death rate among teenagers caused by theses collisions. We, as parents, must work hard to train our new drivers. Make it a point to set a good example, stay up to date on traffic laws and be sure to stress the importance of eliminating distractions when driving.

In an effort to make the Start Smart program available to young drivers, the CHP has created a mobile app. Simply go to the app store in your Apple or Android device and type in “Start Smart CHP.” Once the app is downloaded, it’s easy to use and has been designed to assist teenagers through the process of obtaining their California Driver’s License. The app also includes a guide covering everything from the DMV Driver Handbook to the final steps for obtaining a provisional license to ultimately achieving an unrestricted driver license.

The Fresno County Juvenile Traffic Court also understands the importance of offering additional training for new drivers. In 2015, Fresno County implemented the Start Smart program as an alternative sentencing for first-time offenders.

How can you sign up for an upcoming Start Smart class? Simply contact your local CHP office or send me an email and I will get you the dates and times for upcoming classes.

This story was originally published January 21, 2018 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Start Smart is the right way to begin teen drivers on the road to safe motoring."