The leading cause of death for persons between the ages of 15 to 19 is motor vehicle crashes. While teen-age drivers make up approximately 5 percent of drivers, it has been long recognized that they tend to be disproportionately involved in motor vehicle crashes.
In order to become more actively involved in reducing teen collisions, the Milford Police Department has partnered with the Delaware Insurance Commissioner’s Office to provide a low cost teenage driver training program entitled “Collision Avoidance Training or CAT Program which is produced by the National Traffic Safety Academy.
Collision Avoidance Training is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program, designed for drivers between 15-20 years of age. (Minimum of “Restricted License” to participate due to advanced techniques and other logistical concerns.)
The goal of this training will be to enhance the student’s awareness of the skills involved in operating a motor vehicle. The program is divided into two sessions; a 4 hour classroom block and an 8 hour driving range practicum. The classroom session will provide students with a better understanding of driver responsibilities, vehicle dynamics, and the effects of intoxicating substances. The driving range session will provide hands-on training in the areas of crash avoidance through evasive maneuvers, cornering, steering, acceleration, deceleration, backing and skid control/skid recovery. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to practice these skills which will prepare them for handling hazards that occur daily under normal driving conditions.
Participants must have a valid Delaware’s Driver’s License or Restricted License and provide their own automobile for the driving range session. (Parents/Students are requested to have vehicle fluids and tire pressures checked prior to class.) A signed waiver of liability by a parent or guardian is required for registration. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the session.
The cost of the program is $169.00 payable to the National Traffic Safety Academy. For a list of class dates, go to the National Traffic Safety Academy website. For more information contact Lt. Kenneth Brown, Kenneth.brown@cj.state.de.us, or to register call 1-800-656-6507.
Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.
Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.
Launched in 1972, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur; it doesn’t rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation
For more information on the Neighborhood Watch Program, contact the Community Policing Unit at 302-422-8081 ext. 137
