Manchester Township High School may be the first school in New Jersey to launch the National Safety Council’s “Alive at 25” defensive driving program, according to Vice Principal Alex George, who explained the program at the November 28 Board of Education meeting.
The Ocean County Freeholders, Prosecutor’s Office, Chiefs of Police, and County Schools Superintendent are supporting an initiative to bring this program to schools throughout Ocean County in response to a recent spike in serious and fatal automobile accidents involving young people. George quoted statistics stating that there were 59 traffic fatalities in Ocean County this year, with 13 of the dead ages 16-24. He said that drivers age 16-24 were involved in 4,400 accidents last year in Ocean County and that traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for 16-24 year olds.
The Alive at 25 program utilizes an interactive teaching model with videos, role playing and other techniques aimed at changing the mindset of new drivers. Sophomores would take the 4-hour course during school hours for one week, said George. It would be offered once each quarter so that all sophomores may complete it by the end of the year. Patrolman Douglas Higgins, Traffic Safety Officer for the Manchester Police, will teach the program, for which he has been recently trained. George said there are also plans to offer an after-school program for current juniors and seniors, many of whom are already driving, and an evening program for parents.
Higgins said that the Manchester Police Department is committed to working with the schools on this important program.
George said he believes the program will reinforce the current driver’s theory instruction, bringing a fresh approach with innovative defensive driving techniques. “It will also strengthen the partnership between high school students, parents and the police department,” he added. “It is a proactive response to a pressing need and a win-win partnership for all.”
The Board of Education unanimously approved the program to start this December.
