On Nov. 7, 130 drivers education students and their parents attended a traffic safety program at Prairie View Middle School that addressed some of the difficult issue associated with teen driving.
The program, co-sponsored by General Casualty Insurance Companies and the Sun Prairie Area School District, addressed teen alcohol use and drunk driving, graduated licensing requirements, and factors affecting insurance rates for teen-age drivers.
Presenters included Jennifer Niebuhr from the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, John Olson from the Sun Prairie schools, and Gary Tribbey from General Casualty.
At the conclusion, parents and teens had the opportunity to put together a contract outlining the teen’s responsibilities associated with driving privileges and the consequences if those responsibilities are not met.
According to Theresa Bednarek, alcohol and other drug prevention coordinator for the school district, the program is meant to foster an important dialogue between teens and parents in a positive, non-threatening atmosphere.
The program is funded by General Casualty and state and federal prevention grants awarded to the school district. "This program is a natural choice for General Casualty, as we have a vested interest in promoting auto accident prevention and responsible driving," said Hollie Bowker, General Casualty’s corporate relations manager.
The November program is for first and second quarter Sun Prairie High School drivers education students and their parents. The course is recommended for new drivers but not required. Another session will be held in spring for third and fourth quarter drivers education students.
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.