KSP accepting applications for 10th annual teen driving academy | News

(KFVS) - The Kentucky State Police are accepting applications for the 10th Annual "Drive To Stay Alive" teen driving academy planned for September 5-9 at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort.

According to KSP, "Drive to Stay Alive" is an innovative program targeted directly at teenage drivers. Participants will spend four days learning skills that may save their life including hands-on skills in actual motor vehicle situations combined with classroom studies. KSP said they utilize skilled driving instructors that take teen participants through a variety of obstacles while coaching them the correct way to control a vehicle in different driving scenarios.

The training includes topics such as collision causation, vehicle dynamics and skid control, backing, multiple turns and lane interchange, safety belts and air bags, evasive maneuvers, off-road recovery, and controlled braking.

Sgt. Rick Saint-Blancard oversees the "Drive To Stay Alive" academy and attributes the programs’ success to the quality of students that participate in the academy.

"The unique aspect about 'Drive to Stay Alive' is that the benefits of the program do not stop once the student completes the course. We have developed a comprehensive curriculum that uses the 'train-the-trainer' type format to spread the safe driving message," said Saint-Blancard.

Saint-Blancard said after the student has completed the training, they partner them with an experienced Trooper and they work together to provide educational safe driving presentations to other students in their local communities.

Saint-Blancard advised that to be eligible for the program, student candidates must meet the following guidelines:

• 16 years of age or older
• Licensed driver
• Good communication skills/leadership traits
• Permission from Principle/School Superintendent to participate (all Kentucky public and private schools are welcome)

Applications for the ‘Drive To Stay Alive’ program are available on the KSP website. There is no fee for the program but space is limited. The deadline for submitting an application is August 31, 2012.

For more information about 'Drive To Stay Alive', please visit the KSP website at www.kentuckystatepolice.org or contact Ms. Lori Hunsaker at (502) 782-1779.

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