Yulee, Fla. – Did you know that teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash as other drivers? Sheriff Bill Leeper and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting our young drivers while doing everything possible to significantly reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with traffic crashes. That is why the Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Florida Sheriff’s Association and is offering a program called the Teen Driver Challenge. It is a free course designed to help teens boost their driving skills and lessen the chances of being involved in a crash. The program will provide a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on driver training.
Teens 15-19 are eligible and must have a valid Florida Operators License and participants must provide their own vehicle. A current copy of their driver license, vehicle registration and insurance is required. Each class is limited to 15 students.
“We try to take young drivers and help them with their driver skills in crisis and everyday traffic,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “It’s all about awareness. There’s defensive driving and you need to be aware of what you’re doing, but also be aware of other motorists.”
The Teen Driver Challenge is not an advanced driving course. It is a two-day defensive driving program that covers the following topics and driving exercises:
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Human Factors
- Responsibility
- Liability
- Drug and Alcohol Use
- Night Driving
- Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
- Safe Driving Habits
- Aggressive Driving
- Using your Senses
- Knowing your Vehicle
All Instructors are Nassau County Sheriff Deputies. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion. Certificates may be presented to your auto insurance company for a possible reduction in your insurance premium.
“I am honored to partner with the Florida Sheriff’s Association on this amazing program and invite your teen to participate in this life saving course,” Leeper said.
The Teen Driver Challenge program will be conducted on the following dates during 2016:
Thursday, March 31 5pm – 9pm
&
Saturday, April 2 8am – 4pm
Thursday, June 9 8am – 2pm
&
Saturday, June 11 8am – 2pm
Thursday, August 4 8am – 2pm
&
Saturday, August 6 8am – 2pm
Thursday, November 3 5pm – 9pm
&
Saturday, November 5 8am – 4pm
To find out more about the two-day program or to sign up please contact the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Training Division at 904-548-4031.
