Police Department Offers “Start Smart” Driving Program for Young Adult Drivers

The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future licensed drivers on August 12th 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/students are asked to call the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271.  Space is limited and there is no charge to attend the program.

To meet the requirements of the State of California and Covid-19 regulations we ask that each student attending only bring one parent if they need to.  We also ask that if you are not vaccinated to please wear a mask during the class and if you are having symptoms, such as fever, persistent cough, moderate to severe headaches, and/or frequent sneezing, please do not attend.  If you have to cancel your attendance, please notify our traffic office as soon as possible to help free up space for other students.

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