Free class offered for teen drivers

In 15 years in law enforcement, Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dan Gordon has seen his share of tragic traffic accidents.

The most recent was June 6 on Pinenut Road south of Gardnerville when he responded to a two-vehicle collision that took the life of 24-year-old Michael A. Lombardo IV.

The accident remains under investigation, but Gordon said the tragedy brings additional relevance to a safe driving course for young drivers he is offering Wednesday with Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Ron Skibinski.

"We created the program more than two years ago," Gordon said. "It's very interactive and we're able to get a lot more in depth about issues facing young drivers and the consequences of their decisions behind the wheel or even as passengers."

The free class is noon-3 p.m. Wednesday at the sheriff's training room in the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in Minden. No registration is required and all are welcome. Gordon said it's designed for drivers age 15 to those in their early 20s. He's also encouraging parents to attend.

The class covers topics including peer pressure, alcohol, Nevada statutes and basic vehicle maintenance. He and Skibinski focus on inexperienced drivers, hoping to close the gap in information since driver's education classes have been eliminated from many school districts.

"We try to get the participants to talk about their own driving experiences," he said.

As a highway patrol trooper, Gordon said nothing surprises him when it comes to teen drivers.

"I really get sick of seeing kids doing stupid things," he said. "What we're trying to get them and their parents to realize is that they're putting a 5,000-pound weapon in the hands of a 16-17-year-old."

Before relocating to Nevada three years ago, Gordon, 39, was a law enforcement officer in Washington, D.C., and Delaware.

Gordon said he can sense the impact an accident like the June 6 fatality has on a smaller location.

"We live in a fishbowl," Gordon said. "Everything that happens here affects the community."