The Sacramento Police Department is offering a free driver safety class to teenage drivers and their parents or guardians. This class is being offered in an effort to educate and keep new drivers, and their passengers, safe on the road.

New drivers lack the experience that is sometimes needed in various driving situations. Teen drivers are found to be at fault in 66% of all fatal accidents in which they are involved.  In contrast, they represent only 4% of the state's licensed drivers. The leading cause of death for all Americans 15 - 20 years old is motor vehicle collisions.

The next class will be held Friday, February 13, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Class will be held in the Hall of Honor at the Public Safety Center located at 5770 Freeport Blvd.  The class is free and open to teenagers, 15-19 years old. They are required to bring a parent or guardian.

Space is limited, so register now online at http://www.sacpd.org/.  Access the "Community Events" link on the left side of the home page and click on "Start Smart Program."  Follow the instructions on how to register after choosing the "Attend" link next to Start Smart January. Please use your students name in the registration box. If you cannot register online, call (916) 808-6030 and register over the phone.  Only one registration is needed per student/parent combination. If the class is full, watch for additional future classes opening up on the SPD website.

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Please direct any inquiries to Officer James Anderson at (916) 808-3776 or Sergeant Chris Prince at (916) 808-6069.