Next class: January 23, 2021
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is participating in a free program for teenagers who have a desire to learn better driving skills. The Florida Sheriff's Association's Teen Driver Challenge is a one-day, hands-on program that addresses the primary factors affecting teen drivers – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving and distracted driving. Participants must be between 16 and 19 years old, have a learners permit, and have at least 20 hours of driving experience.
Florida Teen Driving Statistics
There are almost a million licensed teen drivers in Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Motor Vehicle Safety division estimates that 25 to 30 percent of these teens will be involved in a crash within the first year of receiving their driver's license.
Action News Jax interviewed Sgt. Skye Barber of the JSO who said, "We know that the leading causes of death among teenagers is teenage driving and anything that we can do to increase their knowledge and increase their abilities, you know that’s what we strive to do."
Back in 2017, Action News Jax reported that 3,500 teenagers died in automobile crashes the previous year. 60% of those crashes were a result of distracted driving. The statistics - according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - show that in 2016 teen crashes made up 11 percent of all crashes in the state of Florida.
These distractions range from cellphone use, conversations with the passengers, reaching for something, and even grooming. Florida Highway Patrol Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan state that "If you are texting and driving, you are 20 times more likely to crash [your] car."
There are almost a million licensed teen drivers in Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Motor Vehicle Safety division estimates that 25 to 30 percent of these teens will be involved in a crash within the first year of receiving their driver's license.
Action News Jax interviewed Sgt. Skye Barber of the JSO who said, "We know that the leading causes of death among teenagers is teenage driving and anything that we can do to increase their knowledge and increase their abilities, you know that’s what we strive to do."
Back in 2017, Action News Jax reported that 3,500 teenagers died in automobile crashes the previous year. 60% of those crashes were a result of distracted driving. The statistics - according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - show that in 2016 teen crashes made up 11 percent of all crashes in the state of Florida.
These distractions range from cellphone use, conversations with the passengers, reaching for something, and even grooming. Florida Highway Patrol Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan state that "If you are texting and driving, you are 20 times more likely to crash [your] car."
Providing Confidence in Any Situation
Each year, more than 2,000 teenagers participate in a Teen Driver Challenge. Timberly Haggit, a teenager who participated in the JSO driving program, said that driving always made her feel nervous. The training helped ease that anxiety and instill within her a sense of confidence and security.
Class topics will include:
Each year, more than 2,000 teenagers participate in a Teen Driver Challenge. Timberly Haggit, a teenager who participated in the JSO driving program, said that driving always made her feel nervous. The training helped ease that anxiety and instill within her a sense of confidence and security.
Class topics will include:
- Teen Crash Facts
- Knowing Your Vehicle
- Using Your Senses
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Drug and Alcohol Use
- Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
- Figure 8
- Threshold/Emergency Braking
- Backing
- Cornering
- Forward and Reserve Serpentine
- Off Road Recovery
- Evasive Maneuvers
- Skid Control
Class Schedule
Classes are on Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM and are held at the Jacksonville Police Academy.
For more information, including a full class schedule, visit the JSO website.
Classes are on Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM and are held at the Jacksonville Police Academy.
- Saturday, January 23, 2021
- Saturday, March 6, 202
- Saturday, April 10, 2021
- Saturday, May 29, 2021
- Saturday, September 18, 2021
For more information, including a full class schedule, visit the JSO website.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our teen drivers to learn how to drive defensively and prevent potential collisions. If your teenager has been involved in an accident, call Alisa Wilkes, Jacksonville car accident lawyer.