California Highway Patrol will be holding a Start Smart driving course for current and prospective teenage drivers at Benicia High School.

The program is aimed to help newly licensed and soon-to-be-licensed drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 become aware of their responsibilities as drivers. Topics discussed include how to avoid collisions, passenger safety and what to do when involved in a collision.

According to the CHP, collisions are the leading cause of death among teens ages 16 to 19, and teen drivers were found to be at fault in around 66 percent of these collisions.

Participating teens must attend the program with their parents so they can be able to talk to CHP officers.

“The CHP has found that when teenagers participate with their parents, the message is a lot louder and clearer about how they’re supposed to behave behind the wheel,” Vice Principal Kathrine Cole said. “With participation, kids get a certificate that can be turned into their car insurance and possibly offer a reduction in their fees.”

The program will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 at Benicia High, located at 1101 Military West. The class will be held in Classroom L-2, which is located by the faculty parking lot. The event is free, and interested participants should contact administrative assistant Rebecca Dart by calling 747-8325 and dialing the extension 2315. Interested people do not have to reach Dart but should leave their names.

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