Nationwide, the leading cause of death for young people, age 15-24, is also one of the most preventable: car crashes. Motor vehicle accidents account for almost a quarter of all deaths in this age group each year. According to safe driving advocates like local mother Carrie Higgins, most of these crashes are attributable to preventable causes: high speed, use of alcohol or drugs, and distraction due to mobile devices.
In an effort to save lives on the road, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office developed Drive With A Cop, an annual training now in its fourth year. The program gives licensed teen drivers the chance to learn safe-driving techniques from county deputies while navigating a course at the Portland International Raceway. Participants also experiment with virtual reality, alcohol impairment simulation goggles and other technology designed to teach young people the dangers of driving distracted or impaired.
Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts says the goal is to give young drivers a better understanding of how dangerous a vehicle can be and empower them to make good decisions on the road.
Registration is now open for Drive With A Cop 2018 and may be done online at www.drivewithacop.com. The event costs $10 per person and is open to all licensed and insured teen drivers.
Check out the CCSO’s promo video for Drive With A Cop below:
