Traffic crashes are the most frequent cause of death for teenagers. Although they represent only 13 percent of all licensed drivers, teenage drivers contribute to 28 percent of all traffic crashes and 24 percent of all fatal car accidents, according to the National Safety Council.
To combat this problem, Richmond Community College is offering Alive at 25, a program developed by the Safety Council to promote safety among teen drivers.
Alive at 25 focuses on the responsibilities and emotions of driving rather than the mechanics. The class includes instruction on resisting peer pressure and taking control while driving, as well as addressing teens’ tendencies to believe they are indestructible.
Teens charged with some traffic violations in Richmond County who complete Alive at 25 may receive a reduction in charges at the District Attorney’s Office discretion, according to program organizers.
Beginning in May, Alive at 25 will be taught the second Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 103 of the Grimsley Building on RCC’s main campus in Hamlet.
To register for Alive at 25, students should contact Holly Russell at 910-410-1704 or hjrussell@richmondcc.edu in Room 46-A of the Lee Building on RCC’s main campus for a registration form.
Pre-registration is required, and students must do so by 2 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the Saturday class in which they wish to enroll.
Tuition for the course is $50, and RCC accepts credit cards, debit cards, cash and checks.
Students must also bring state-issued photo identification and a referral to the program from the District Attorney’s office or their attorney.
For additional questions or more information, contact Lauren S. Holland, Director of Workforce and Economic Development Programming, at 910-410-1848 or lsholland@richmondcc.edu, or visit the National Safety Council website at www.nsc.org.























