The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department is offering free defensive driving classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays through August and September from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“Although these classes are open to all drivers, this is an important program that all teen drivers should attend,” said Sheriff Jean Stanfield. “By offering it on Saturdays, we are hoping that parents will elect to take the class with their child before sending them back to school. This might be the most important seven hours you spend with your teen this summer.”
The following August classes will be held at the Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton:
· Saturday, August 13
· Saturday, August 20
· Wednesday, August 24
· Saturday, August 27
The September classes will be held at the Emergency Services Training Center, 53 Academy Drive, Westampton:
· Wednesday, September 7
· Saturday, September 10
· Saturday, September 17
· Wednesday, September 21
· Saturday, September 24
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States with an average of 6,000 teens killed each year and another 300,000 injured.
In New Jersey during 2009, there were 47,960 crashes involving teen drivers. Out of that number, 34 teen drivers and 8 teen passengers lost their lives. Prevalent factors in those fatal crashes included speed, distractions, inexperience and the lack of seat belt use. All of these issues and more are addressed in the course curriculum.
Persons completing the course may receive up to a 5 percent discount from their insurance company and/or have two motor vehicle points removed from their record. Although the course is free, there is a $10 fee, which is mandated by the New Jersey State Safety Council & the State of New Jersey, which must be paid in order to be awarded the necessary certificate to receive the discount or point-reduction.
Seating is limited. To register for a class call the Sheriff’s Department Community Services Unit at 609–265–3788.
