News Release
The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future licensed drivers on May 25th, 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 to 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 collision.
To remain proactive and not reactive, the Start Smart Driving 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) 494-8200 for a spot in the next class. Space in these classes can be limited. Thousand Oaks PD facilitates this program at no cost to the public and there is no charge to attend.
We ask that each student attending only bring one parent if they need to. If you need to cancel your attendance, please notify our traffic office as soon as possible to help free up space for other students.
