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Young Driver Program
October 21, 2008 |
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
American teenagers.
On average, more than three-thousand teens are killed every
year in a crash. “This is the age group where we see the lowest compliance with
seatbelts and unfortunately this is also the age group where we see trauma as the
leading cause of death,” says Dr. Rie Aihara a trauma
surgeon with the Lee Memorial
Hospital Trauma Center.
Nurses and physicians with the Trauma Center have decided to try and change those
negative statistics by creating a positive driver education program for teenagers.
“We have had comments from all of them who have participated so far in the program
that it’s actually been very positive and they did learn different things that they
weren’t aware of,” says trauma nurse Syndi Bultman.
She adds that one important topic for teens is learning how to focus on the roadway
instead of other distractions. “They’re not realizing that they need to focus on
the roadway not text messaging, not using a cell phone, not changing the CDs so
that they’re not in a crash.”
The program also provides counseling on legal issues effecting teenage drivers and
tips on choosing the proper auto insurance.
The next young driver education course will be held on November 4th. It is free
and open to the public. To sign up you can call 239-336-6797.
It’s important to remember that the program is offered in addition to regular driver’s
education courses. The class can also count towards community service hours for
participants. |
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