Learning driving skills

A poor choice behind the wheel can change a life forever.

Even teenagers, who often consider themselves invincible, know that dangers of the road lurk around every corner.

"I've had to slam on my brakes a few times," said 17-year-old Darren Smith, who admitted he's let everyday distractions take his mind off his driving.

Katie Moresco, 17, had her driver's license only six months when she had a minor collision at Colusa High School.

It was something she said happened in the blink of an eye.

"Someone opened their car door just as I was pulling in a parking space, and I hit it," she said. "It happened so fast, I couldn't do anything."

Moresco said she had taken all the appropriate driving lessons and received the green light to motor the roadways by driving instructor Dick Marvel and her parents.

"I think I'm a pretty good driver," Moresco said. "My parents think I'm a way better driver than my brother. He's 20."

But she hasn't ruled out taking another class — one that speaks to traffic safety issues that directly affect young drivers in a way no other program does.

The program, called "Start Smart," will be offered by the Williams California Highway Patrol on Feb. 6.

"Motor vehicle traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for American teenagers, ages 15 to 20," said public affairs Officer John Waggoner. "The CHP's goal is to help young drivers and their

parents or guardians understand the responsibilities associated with driving."

Waggoner said the primary collision factors for teenagers are unsafe speed, failure to yield the right of way, following too close, inattention and cell phone use.

At 17, Carly Witham said she understands how inexperience can leave teens vulnerable as they are learning to master the art of driving.

"I scare myself sometimes," Witham said. "I've taken turns at too fast of a speed."

With just a driver's permit, Witham agreed she would be a good candidate to take the Start Smart class.

The 90 minute to 2 hour program entails collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, local area traffic collision trends and driver responsibilities.

"The tragic loss of young lives is a big concern for the CHP," Waggoner said. "We want young drivers to be safe when they get behind the wheel."

Waggoner said the free program for teenagers had such overwhelming response the last time it was offered at the Williams office, the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, received additional funding to run additional programs throughout the state.

The class is free to teens, 15 to 19, and their parents.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.