Safe-driving course offered in Carson

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dan Gordon is offering a free safe-driving course for young drivers 2:30-5:30 p.m. March 16 in the Ormsby Room at the Carson City Sheriff's Office on Musser Street.

Gordon calls it DRIVE, which stands for Driving Responsibly Includes Vehicle Education.

He has been offering the class every few months for the past two years. He's also training other troopers to offer the program outside Douglas County.

"I'll have about a dozen troopers observing this class so they can begin offering classes outside the area," Gordon said.

The class is designed for drivers age 15 to their early 20s. Parents also are invited.

Participants can register at 775-684-7380, or by sending an e-mail address and contact number to dgordon@dps.state.nv.us.

The class covers driving distractions, peer pressure, alcohol, Nevada statutes, bad-weather driving, and basic vehicle maintenance.

"With the proliferation of cell phones and texting, the major emphasis is on distracted driving," Gordon said.

Gordon said he tries to make the class fun and interactive.

"I dress casually; I don't wear my uniform. It's an opportunity for kids to see cops in a different light. I'm saying to them I'm a regular person, too, but I have a job to do."

Gordon is assisted by Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Ron Skibinski.

"The theme of the whole class is that driving is a responsibility. Our goal is to tell kids, 'Here's what this car is capable of doing. Here are the consequences of what can happen,'" Gordon said.

Both officers recently won accolades for their service to the community.

Skibinski was honored as the DCSO 2010 deputy of the year at the annual Elks Club law enforcement night.

Gordon was named Nevada Highway Patrol trooper of the year for the northern command.