CHP to offer teen and mature driver programs

The Santa Cruz California Highway Patrol office will offer two free classes in November for drivers at both ends of the age spectrum: teenage drivers and mature drivers.

The Start Smart Program is offered to teenage drivers and their parents. The class is designed to reduce the number of teenage traffic deaths and injuries.

According to the CHP, traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.

The program will cover traffic laws, defensive driving, DUI awareness, dynamics of traffic collisions and tips on avoiding collisions.

The Age Well, Drive Smart Program is designed for mature drivers. Topics will include adjusting to age-related physical changes, tuning up driving skills, rules of the road, when it may be time to limit or stop driving, and understanding alternatives to driving.

The class is geared toward drivers over the age of 65, but is open to anyone who feels they can benefit from this information.

Call the Santa Cruz CHP office at (831) 662-0511 for information or to reserve a spot in either class.

The Start Smart Program: Friday, November 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

The Age Well, Drive Smart Program: Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m.-12 noon at the Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive in Aptos.