Saturday, February 25, 2012

Reasons to sign Teens up for Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) offered by the Dunwoody Police Department


Sign up for next class as space is limited.
April 13-14, 2012 and May 25-26, 2012

The Dunwoody Police Department has been offering the Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) Program since June 2010. This is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program designed for teenage drivers. The two day driving program is designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and understanding of vehicle dynamics and human kinetics.

In September, 2011 the National Traffic Safety Academy selected at random a number of parents from the first six months this program was offered by the Dunwoody Police Department to be included in a survey. Parents were asked to complete a short survey which would help us determine the effectiveness of the training program. The results were as follows:
  • 87.2% of the surveys were completed and returned. 
  • Since attending the class 12-18 months ago, less than 5% of the teens were involved in an automobile crash.
  • Of that 5%, no one was at fault, charged or injured in the crash. 
  • Since attending the training no one has received a traffic citation. 
  • 95.1% rated the change in their teens driving ability as “Greatly Improved” 
  • 4.8% rated the change in their teens driving ability as “Improved” 
  • 100% rated their satisfaction as-“Exceeded my expectations”
It is extremely important to teach these teenage drivers the importance of traffic safety. The skills they learn will assist their decision making when they take to the streets. The results reflected above, show the impact it has on the students that participate in this training.

In the Feb. 16th edition of USATODAY – “Traffic fatalities rise among 16, 17 year old drivers”

“A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association highlights what could be a very troubling trend among 16 and 17 year old drivers. GHSA examined deaths of 16 and 17 year old drivers through the first 6 months of 2011 and found an 11% increase of the same period in 2010. Deaths of 16 year olds rose 16% and 17 year olds rose 7% for an overall increase of 11%.Twenty-three states saw no increases, 19 had decreases and there was no change in eight states and Washington, D.C.”

“We think that what you taught her will be incorporated into the driving skills that she is currently reinforcing, without having first learned some bad habits.”(Judy Gordon/Dunwoody Parent) “

"I didn't particularly want to attend at first but I'm glad I did, and I will recommend this to my friends”(Dunwoody HS Student).

The next training classes will be held on April 13-14, 2012 and May 25-26, 2012.

For more information on the Collision Avoidance Training, please contact Lt. William Hegwood @ 678-382-6904 William.hegwood@dunwoodyga.gov, or go to www.dunwoodypolice.com and click on “CAT”.

4 comments:

Momfirst said...

My now almost 18 year old took this and it was the best investment we made in his driving. He took it right after he got his license but I believe they recommend the teen have his/her license for 6 months. Highly recommend this program!

dpgroupie said...

Why wouldn't every responsible parent require their kid to take this training as a condition to getting their license?? I wouldn't even let my kid ride in a car with a teen who HASN'T been through this training. Is this limited to Dunwoody residents?

Momfirst said...

No it's not limited to Dunwoody residents as far as I know. The guy who runs this only promotes it to small police departments as I'm sure it would be very difficult to run through a large dept.

John Heneghan said...

Congratulations to the Dunwoody Police Department and especially Lieutenant William Hegwood for offering such a fine program and winning this award.