The California Highway Patrol will be conducting a Start Smart Class on Monday, April 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Newhall Area Office. The class is free to attend and is open to newly licensed drivers AND their parents.

The class is designed to raise awareness of the responsibilities and privileges of being a licensed California driver, as well as addresses the dangers and liabilities that come with it.

Start Smart began as a local program at the Monterey CHP area office in 2002. After seeing much interest and participation by teens and parents, Start Smart developed into a statewide grant funded by the Office of Traffic Safety.

Recently, several counties throughout the state have begun mandating Start Smart attendance to juvenile traffic offenders and/or offering Start Smart attendance as an alternative to traditional traffic schools.

Start Smart program is a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the ages of 15-19 and their parents/guardians.

During a Start Smart class, officers discuss:

* collision avoidance techniques

* collision causing elements

* driver/parent responsibilities

* seat belt restraints

Testimonials are provided by officers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens, in addition to testimonials from parents whose children have perished in collisions. Those interested need to RSVP to 661-294-5540, provide attending student name, parent’s name, and daytime telephone number. Classes will be held at the Newhall Area CHP Office at 28648 The Old Road, north of Rye Canyon Road.