SIDNEY — Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge William Zimmerman has announced the start of the CARTEENS Program in Shelby County beginning January 2016. The program is sponsored by the Ohio State University Extension, Shelby County Office.
CARTEENS is a traffic safety program designed for qualifying juvenile traffic offenders. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of repeat juvenile offenders and save lives. The “CAR” in CARTEENS stands for “caution and responsibility” while “TEENS” refers to the teenagers who assist with the program. Laura Norris, OSU Extension Educator, will be the Shelby County Director of CARTEENS. The program will be offered on the first Saturday of each month.
Zimmerman reports that qualifying juvenile traffic offenders can avoid receiving points on their driver’s license record by completing the 2 hour safety program. “Receiving no points on a driving offense results in a significant insurance savings for a juvenile and their parent/custodian,” said Zimmerman.
The CARTEENS course will be taught by Assistant Ohio State Patrol Piqua Post Commander Sgt. David L. Robison. He has taught the course for many years in Miami and Darke counties. The Sidney Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will also be assisting with the program. “The Ohio State Highway Patrol here to help prevent accidents,” said Sidney Police Chief William Balling. “We are excited to work with them on this project and help keep our teenage drivers safe.”
John Lenhart, Shelby County sheriff, said CARTEENS is a step in the right direction to help save young lives. It also will provide advanced instruction to juveniles on driver safety.
The program is designed to permit qualifying offenders to attend the CARTEENS program instead of going to court. The juvenile must attend the program with a parent. The cost of the program is only $25, the normal fine imposed for a traffic violation. However, once the teen completes the program, Zimmerman will order the traffic charge be amended to a no-point violation and will waive the court fine.
For more information you may call Laura Norris at the Shelby County Extension Office, 498-7239.
