WCSO Accepting Applications for Teen Driver Challenge
~Learn driving techniques used by driving professionals, including law enforcement officers~
For Immediate Release
May 6, 2011
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is challenging high school students to take the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) Teen Driver Challenge (TDC). Students and parents can pick up an application for the course from the WCSO or their School Resource Deputy.
At the age of 16, most young adults take advantage of the privilege of obtaining a drivers license, with little or no formal training. This means they are not prepared for the road, with changing terrains and hazards caused by bad weather. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes compared to other drivers.
“The number one cause of death among American teenagers involves a vehicle,” said Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. “Young adults will learn techniques used by law enforcement officers to increase driver safety and reduce the risk of our most precious resources being injured or worse.”
“Traffic crashes occur about every 12 seconds in the United States,” said TDC Instructor Sgt. Artie Rodriguez. “Our goal is to minimize the chances of teenager accidents occurring on Walton County roadways.”
The TDC is an advanced course for teenagers who have been driving for a minimum of six months. The TDC course addresses the primary contributors to the death of teen drivers – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving and distracted driving. The course is offered at no charge and teens will be using their personal vehicle. Seats are limited.
What: Teen Driver Challenge
Where: Walton High School
449 Walton Road
DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
When: Wednesday’s schedule is from 4p.m. to 8p.m. Thursday’s schedule is from 8a.m. to 5p.m.
Class #1: June 1 – June 2
Class #2: June 15 – June 16
Class #3: July 6 – July 7
Each law enforcement officer who teaches the TDC program is also licensed as a certified commercial driving school instructor. Each new instructor goes through a rigorous “train the trainer” class with an original team member, or sits through an actual program under an established program’s instructor.
For more information about the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s Teen Driver Challenge, visit the TDC website at www.teendriverchallenge.org.
For Further Information Contact:
Mike Morrison
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(850) 892-8186 (main)
(850) 401-4612 (cell)
WCSO Accepting Applications for Teen Driver Challenge
~Learn driving techniques used by driving professionals, including law enforcement officers~
For Immediate Release
May 6, 2011
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is challenging high school students to take the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) Teen Driver Challenge (TDC). Students and parents can pick up an application for the course from the WCSO or their School Resource Deputy.
At the age of 16, most young adults take advantage of the privilege of obtaining a drivers license, with little or no formal training. This means they are not prepared for the road, with changing terrains and hazards caused by bad weather. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes compared to other drivers.
“The number one cause of death among American teenagers involves a vehicle,” said Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. “Young adults will learn techniques used by law enforcement officers to increase driver safety and reduce the risk of our most precious resources being injured or worse.”
“Traffic crashes occur about every 12 seconds in the United States,” said TDC Instructor Sgt. Artie Rodriguez. “Our goal is to minimize the chances of teenager accidents occurring on Walton County roadways.”
The TDC is an advanced course for teenagers who have been driving for a minimum of six months. The TDC course addresses the primary contributors to the death of teen drivers – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving and distracted driving. The course is offered at no charge and teens will be using their personal vehicle. Seats are limited.
What: Teen Driver Challenge
Where: Walton High School
449 Walton Road
DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
When: Wednesday’s schedule is from 4p.m. to 8p.m. Thursday’s schedule is from 8a.m. to 5p.m.
Class #1: June 1 – June 2
Class #2: June 15 – June 16
Class #3: July 6 – July 7
Each law enforcement officer who teaches the TDC program is also licensed as a certified commercial driving school instructor. Each new instructor goes through a rigorous “train the trainer” class with an original team member, or sits through an actual program under an established program’s instructor.
For more information about the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s Teen Driver Challenge, visit the TDC website at www.teendriverchallenge.org.
For Further Information Contact:
Mike Morrison
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(850) 892-8186 (main)
(850) 401-4612 (cell)
