Tickets Still Available for CHP 'Start Smart' Teen Driver Safety Program in Danville

San Ramon Valley parents are eager for teen driver education. Last fall, Street Smarts began hosting the CHP “Start Smart” Program for new and future teen drivers and their parents in the San Ramon Valley. The response has been overwhelming. A total of over 300 parents and teens attended the first two local Start Smart events. Now, over 400 parents and teens have signed up for the third local Start Smart event, which is being held on October 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville. Tickets are still available.

Teen driver education is not only a priority for San Ramon Valley parents, but for all the Street Smarts partners, including local elected officials, local police, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and local PTAs.

“Motor vehicle collisions are the number one killer of teens aged 15 to 19,” reports Cathy DeLuca, Street Smarts Program Coordinator. “To address this problem, the Street Smarts partners made it a top priority to bring the Start Smart Program to the community. Instrumental to this effort was the work of Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, who fostered the partnership between Street Smarts and the CHP.”

A number of community leaders will be participating in the October 15 Start Smart event. Danville Mayor Robert Storer will open the event, followed by San Ramon Valley High School Principal Ruth Steele and Danville Chief of Police Steve Simpkins. CHP Officer John Fransen, who dedicates much of his time to teen driver education throughout Contra Costa County, will present the Start Smart Program.

Officer Fransen’s passion for traffic safety, combined with his humor and authority, make him an outstanding educator of both teens and their families. In his presentation, Officer Fransen will share information about collision factors associated with teen drivers, collision avoidance techniques, and driver/parent responsibilities. The presentation contains graphic images. For this reason, and because driving safety is a family affair, parents must attend with their teens.

The October 15 event is free and open to teens/parents in the San Ramon Valley and beyond. To register, visit http://chpstartsmart-101514.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Cathy DeLuca, Street Smarts Coordinator, at 925-314-3382 orcathy@street-smarts.com.

The CHP “Start Smart” Teen Driver Safety Program

October 15, 2014 on 7:00pm – 9:00pm

San Ramon Valley High School Performing Arts Theater located at 501 Danville Boulevard in Danville.

To learn more about the Start Smart Program, contact CHP Officer John Fransen at 925-646-4980 or visit www.chp.ca.gov/community/startsmart.html.

—Information submitted by Start Smart Program