Driver education at WNC Douglas campus

Staff Reports

A required driver education course for teens age 15 and older will be offered at Western Nevada College Douglas campus, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 21-24. Cost is $105.

Nevada law requires new drivers under age 18 to take a 30-hour new driver education course if one is offered within 30 miles of their home. Safe driving techniques are taught in lectures, class discussion, guest speakers and films that cover Nevada driving regulations, basic vehicle control and driving maneuvers in various situations and environments.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans up to age 34. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the total societal cost of crashes exceeds $230 billion annually. Contributing to the death toll are alcohol, speed and other driver behaviors, vehicle type and the roads on which they travel. Increased awareness and driver safety are directly linked to decreased death and injuries on the highway.

The course covers how to handle distractions and peer pressure, how to prevent falling asleep at the wheel and driving under the influence. Speakers include public safety officials and insurance representatives. Instruction includes how to drive safely around large trucks and motorcycles, how to avoid unexpected objects in the road, maneuvering through roundabouts and rules for driving in bad weather.

To register for the non-credit class, fill out an application at www.wnc.edu/ /drivereducation/ then print out and mail or fax the driver education registration form to WNC Admissions, 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703.

Students may call 445-4458 or proceed with Web-REG to register for the course.

The course is supported by the Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool, the Public Agency Compensation Trust and State Farm Insurance. Information, 445-4458.