Safe Communities

Safe Communities – National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course Protocol

Introduction

Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 16 and 24. The National Safety Council developed the Defensive Driving Course – Alive at 25 Program to specifically target drivers in this age group. This four-hour program encourages young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 to take responsibility for their driving behavior.

Program Description

The course uses workbook exercises, interactive media segments, group discussions, role playing, and short lectures to help young drivers develop convictions and strategies that will keep them safer on the road.

The course is taught by National Safety Council – Alive at 25 certified instructors.

Alive at 25 teaches young adults that:

people in their age group are more likely to be hurt or killed in a vehicle crash.
inexperience, distractions, and peer pressure cause unique driving hazards.
speeding, alcohol, and party drugs greatly increase their risk of injury or death.
as a driver or passenger, they can greatly reduce their risk by taking control.
committing to changing their driving behavior makes personal, legal, and financial sense.

Eligible students

Alive at 25 will be open to:

young adult drivers ages 16 through 24 that are referred to the program by courts or prosecuting attorneys.
young adult drivers ages 16 through 24 who wish to enhance their driving skills.
parents, guardians, or license sponsors of young adult drivers ages 16 through 24.

Court or Prosecuting Attorney Referred Students

Students may be referred to this program as alternative sentencing.
The decision to refer a student for alternative sentencing shall be the decision of the court or prosecuting attorney.
- However, the fact that a driver aged 16 through 24 has an outstanding traffic citation does not preclude them from enrolling in the course.
Provisions of the court referral will be solely the responsibility of the court or prosecuting attorney.
- However, neither special considerations nor instruction will be provided outside of the National Safety Council – Alive at 25 course of instruction.
It shall be the responsibility of the student/defendant to comply with the provisions of the sentencing.
It shall be the responsibility of the student/defendant to notify the court or prosecuting attorney upon completion of the course.
Safe Communities will provide the student with a National Safety Council “Defensive Driving Course – Alive at 25 Certificate of Completion” upon attendance and completion of the course of instruction.
Safe Communities will not make routine reports nor file certificates of completion with any court or prosecuting attorney.
The registration fees must be paid in accordance with the procedures of Safe Communities.

Registration Procedure

The procedures and scheduling of classes may be modified as needed.
Such modifications will be made in a timely fashion that will not conflict with alternative sentencing procedures or the registration process.
Each student shall complete the Safe Communities – National Safety Council – Defensive Driving Course – Alive at 25 registration form.
Registration must be received at least two weeks before the class date.
A confirmation postcard will be sent once Safe Communities receives the registration form.
Registration must include the current registration fee.
Registrations that do not include the registration fee will not be accepted.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Registration fees may be paid in cash, personal check or money order payable to Safe Communities.
Insufficient registration fees and worthless or insufficient checks or checks and money orders drafted improperly will result in the cancellation of enrollment and the non-issuance of a certificate of completion.
Students making a late application may be placed on a waiting list and will be notified of the next available course dates.

Successful Completion of the Program

Participants must remain during and complete the entire National Safety Council – Defensive Driving Course – Alive at 25 class.
Participants must be prompt in arriving and shall promptly return from all breaks.
Unruly or disruptive participants may be removed from the class at the discretion of the program instructor.
All participants shall be respectful and shall not use any offensive language or engage in any inappropriate or offensive behavior.
Participants removed by the instructor will not receive a certificate of completion and registration fees will not be refunded.

Traffic Violations and Offenses That May Be Referred

Most non-criminal moving traffic violations at the discretion of the court or prosecuting attorney.
Alcohol-related or drug-related traffic offenses.

Traffic Violations Not Referable

Driving after revocation.
No valid driver’s license.
Operating under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Driver license restrictions, unless resulting from a moving violation or graduated driver license violation.