Duplin prosecutor institutes new program for teen drivers
By Staff Reports
Published in News on October 30, 2008 1:46 PM
Fourth Prosecutorial District Attorney Dewey Hudson announced this week a new program for teenager drivers charged with a motor vehicle violation.
Hudson, whose district includes Duplin County, said that completion of the program, "Alive at 25," will allow teenagers to have their charges reduced.
The program is "designed to bridge the gap between the standard driver's education program and the behaviors and skills that inexperienced drivers need to become safe drivers," he said in a written release. "My desire is that through attending this educational program that specifically relates to their age and driving experience, young drivers will learn to fully appreciate the seriousness and responsibility of driving a motor vehicle and the consequences of unsafe driving."
He explained in the release that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and that everyday more than 10 people ages 15 to 20 are killed in motor vehicle crashes -- more than 40 percent of which are caused by high speeds.
In fact, he added, North Carolina has the second highest rate of teen fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents in the country.
"My goal in implementing this new program is to reduce the number of teenage driving-related deaths and accidents," Hudson said.
According to the "Alive at 25" Web site, the progam is a 41/2 hour course focusing on skill practices and defensive driving techniques.