Post by title1parent on Jul 31, 2008 7:03:41 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1083998,2_1_AU31_KANELAND_S1.article
Kaneland's incentive aims to create better drivers
July 31, 2008
By Linda Girardi Special to The Beacon News
Kaneland High School students can earn a $50 discount on their student parking fee by enrolling in a National Safety Council "Alive 25" course at Waubonsee Community College.
Kaneland High has partnered with the Sugar Grove Police Department and WCC in making the class available to young drivers.
Sugar Grove Police Investigator John Sizer said the driver's education program is mandated in Colorado, which has seen a 30 percent reduction in the number of fatalities involving drivers ages 16 to 25.
'Alive 25'
In the "Alive 25" driving class at WCC, students are taught:
• People in their age group are more likely to be hurt or killed in a vehicle crash.
• Inexperience, distractions and peer pressure cause unique driving hazards.
• Speeding, alcohol and "party drugs" greatly increase their risk of injury or death.
• As a driver or a passenger, they can greatly reduce their risk by taking control.
• Committing to changing their driving behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense.
• 326,000 teens are seriously injured in driving accidents annually.
• Young drivers are involved in fatal car accidents at more than twice the rate of all other age groups.
• The first year for a newly licensed teenager is the most dangerous, with more than one in five involved in crashes.
The Kaneland program is voluntary and free of charge.
Kaneland students will receive a certificate of completion for the course and a $50 reduction on their $150 annual student parking fee for the 2008-09 school year.
Sizer said the department was awarded a $4,200 grant for the program, to help cover the community college's class expenses.
"I have seen too many of these accidents," said Sizer, a National Safety Council instructor and member of the Kane County accident reconstruction task force.
"I have seen the devastation and trauma fatal accidents have on families, especially when it involves young people who may have made a mistake," Sizer said.
"Oftentimes they lack the (driving) experience and maturity. The class helps them to accept responsibility and shows them the consequences of fast driving or driving (impaired)."
Sizer was called out three times last school year for accidents at the Route 38 and Meredith Road intersection near the Kaneland High School campus.
Sizer said statistics show 50 percent of fatal crashes involving people under the age of 21 are alcohol-related.
Kaneland Principal Tony Valente said an estimated 120 students have already filled two of the driving classes in August. A third class on Aug. 9 -- from 1 to 5 p.m. at WCC's Weigel Hall -- is open to enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis.
"We are hoping this will open kids' eyes to the dangers of driving and help them become more alert and safe drivers," Valente said.
If there is further interest, a fourth class will be offered. Parents can call Kaneland High School at (630) 365-5100, Ext. 204, to enroll their child in the "Alive 25" class.
Kaneland's incentive aims to create better drivers
July 31, 2008
By Linda Girardi Special to The Beacon News
Kaneland High School students can earn a $50 discount on their student parking fee by enrolling in a National Safety Council "Alive 25" course at Waubonsee Community College.
Kaneland High has partnered with the Sugar Grove Police Department and WCC in making the class available to young drivers.
Sugar Grove Police Investigator John Sizer said the driver's education program is mandated in Colorado, which has seen a 30 percent reduction in the number of fatalities involving drivers ages 16 to 25.
'Alive 25'
In the "Alive 25" driving class at WCC, students are taught:
• People in their age group are more likely to be hurt or killed in a vehicle crash.
• Inexperience, distractions and peer pressure cause unique driving hazards.
• Speeding, alcohol and "party drugs" greatly increase their risk of injury or death.
• As a driver or a passenger, they can greatly reduce their risk by taking control.
• Committing to changing their driving behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense.
• 326,000 teens are seriously injured in driving accidents annually.
• Young drivers are involved in fatal car accidents at more than twice the rate of all other age groups.
• The first year for a newly licensed teenager is the most dangerous, with more than one in five involved in crashes.
The Kaneland program is voluntary and free of charge.
Kaneland students will receive a certificate of completion for the course and a $50 reduction on their $150 annual student parking fee for the 2008-09 school year.
Sizer said the department was awarded a $4,200 grant for the program, to help cover the community college's class expenses.
"I have seen too many of these accidents," said Sizer, a National Safety Council instructor and member of the Kane County accident reconstruction task force.
"I have seen the devastation and trauma fatal accidents have on families, especially when it involves young people who may have made a mistake," Sizer said.
"Oftentimes they lack the (driving) experience and maturity. The class helps them to accept responsibility and shows them the consequences of fast driving or driving (impaired)."
Sizer was called out three times last school year for accidents at the Route 38 and Meredith Road intersection near the Kaneland High School campus.
Sizer said statistics show 50 percent of fatal crashes involving people under the age of 21 are alcohol-related.
Kaneland Principal Tony Valente said an estimated 120 students have already filled two of the driving classes in August. A third class on Aug. 9 -- from 1 to 5 p.m. at WCC's Weigel Hall -- is open to enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis.
"We are hoping this will open kids' eyes to the dangers of driving and help them become more alert and safe drivers," Valente said.
If there is further interest, a fourth class will be offered. Parents can call Kaneland High School at (630) 365-5100, Ext. 204, to enroll their child in the "Alive 25" class.