As parents, one of the most nerve-wracking milestones is when our teenagers start driving. The statistics are alarming—across the United States, a teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). To help combat these tragic numbers and keep our kids safe on the road, the CHP Temecula Area Office is offering a valuable resource: a free "Start Smart" driving class designed specifically for teens and their parents.
The "Start Smart" class is more than just a typical driving course. It’s a comprehensive traffic safety education program that uses innovative techniques to grab the attention of both teens and their parents, leaving a lasting impact. The curriculum covers critical topics such as crash statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver’s license laws, and the cultural shifts in today’s society that affect young drivers. Importantly, it also emphasizes the essential role that parents play in guiding their teenagers through their driving journey.
If you’re like me and constantly worry about your child’s safety, this class is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. It’s designed to help us better understand the risks our teens face on the road and equip us with the tools to help them make smarter, safer choices. With more parental involvement, we can significantly reduce the risks and help ensure that our teens develop good driving habits from the start.
The upcoming "Start Smart" class is scheduled for Thursday, August 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Temecula City Hall, located at 41000 Main Street. The CHP encourages both parents and their teenagers to attend together, making it a collaborative experience that can strengthen the communication and understanding between you and your teen driver.
To register for the class, simply email CHP Officer Mike Lassig at MLassig@chp.ca.gov. If you have any questions, you can also reach out to Officer Lassig by email or by calling 951-466-4300.
This program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ensuring that it’s free of charge for all who attend. Given the importance of the information and the potential it has to save lives, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity.
For more updates on family-friendly events, resources, and important news in our community, be sure to visit temecula.macaronikid.com. Together, we can help make our roads safer for everyone, starting with our own teens.
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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