Teen driver safety program

The teen driver safety program will feature defensive and distracted driving classes, carseat inspections and bicycle safety.

According to AAA, the automobile research and educational group, the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers is the summer. With that in mind, the Brookhaven Highway Department’s Division of Traffic Safety will be offering teen driver safety programs at Safety Town on Friday, May 3 and Friday, June 14 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. During this intense real-life program, certified instructors with many years of defensive driving and accident investigation experience will talk with participants about the importance of developing safe habits when traveling the roadways. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting or impaired. Preregistration is required.

“Programs such as this are crucial in showing young new drivers the tremendous threats drunken or distracted driving can create,” said highway superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro. “Especially as we move into prom and graduation season, we want to make sure students hear that message; when they’re behind the wheel of a car, it is entirely within their control to prevent a tragic accident caused by driving while distracted or impaired.”

Located at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, Safety Town is a miniature village with an indoor and outdoor educational facility. Throughout the year, Safety Town hosts bicycle safety rodeos, car seat inspections, teen distracted driving programs and defensive driving classes.

Call 631-363-3770 for more information or to register.