Driver Education Program celebrates 1,500 graduates

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Fayette County Attorney Driver Education Program celebrated its 1,500^th graduate in just nine years of operation Thursday.

A student at Lexington Catholic, is the 1,500^th graduate of the program, which teaches defensive driving to young drivers. The program is co-sponsored by private sponsors, the Fayette County Attorney and the city.

Mayor Linda Gorton said most parents support the program. Gorton stated that with this program, students are given the tools to be safer drivers.

County Attorney Larry Roberts said the goal of the program is to provide education to students on safe driving practices and being prepared for specific difficult scenarios. During the course, there is both classroom simulation and behind-the-wheel training that gives real world activities for young drivers to be better prepared when they are on the road.

The program teaches young drivers defensive driver techniques through the use of a “Skid Monster,” a car modified with a device that causes the rear tires to lose traction, creating the sensation of a vehicle that is out of control. It also uses a driving simulator.

The simulator introduces students to the basic techniques in accident avoidance. The driving exercises emphasize proper use of accelerator, brakes and mirrors, driver readiness, vehicle balance, among other issues.

They want young drivers to understand the proper driving techniques needed to regain control of a vehicle to avoid accidents, as stated by Roberts.

Mayor Gorton has said that they know that young drivers are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. Programs such as this are teaching teenagers how to drive more safely and avoid incidents. The continued success of this program benefits student drivers and the community as a whole.

The Fayette County Driver Education Program is designed for new, licensed drivers who have logged at least 20 hours behind the wheel.