CHP Start Smart Driving Classes Planned For April, Free In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — Parents of novice drivers in the Temecula area can now register for one of two California Highway Patrol's Start Smart classes scheduled in April.

The first class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the James L. Day Middle School, located at 40775 Camino Camps Verdes in Temecula.

The second class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Temecula City Hall, located at 41000 Main Street in Temecula.

CHP Officer Mike Lassig said the classes are free, and parents are encouraged to attend. To register for a class, please email Officer Mike Lassig at MLassig@chp.ca.gov.

The program can help educate drivers of all ages on how to drive "smart" to prevent tragedies behind the wheel.

"A teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours nationwide. That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year," Lassig said. "Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in
traffic collisions. These deaths and injuries can be substantially reduced or prevented by
eliminating high-risk driving behaviors through education. "

The Start Smart program focuses on providing comprehensive traffic safety education classes for teenagers and their parents.

Start Smart employs innovative techniques to capture the attention of teenagers and parents and provide a lasting experience. The curriculum includes information on collision statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver license (GDL) laws, cultural changes in today’s society, and the need for stronger parental involvement in a teenager’s driving experience.

For questions, contact Officer Mike Lassig by email or phone at 951-466-4300.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety
through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.