As the leading cause of death for Americans ages 15-20 years old is motor vehicle collisions, our local California Highway Patrol is offering a Start Smart driving program to assist teens in being better, safer drivers. The Start Smart program is a cooperative effort between the CHP, teenagers and their parents. The goal of the class is to help young drivers and their parents understand the responsibilities associated with driving a motor vehicle. The class will also show how poor choices behind the wheel can changes the lives of everyone involved, with the program’s ultimate purpose to reduce the number of teen-related injuries and deaths due to collisions. On Tuesday, November 17, the California Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, will be offering a Start Smart class in Big Bear Lake. The 6pm program on the 17th, to be held at the Municipal Water District offices at 40524 Lakeview Drive, will be offered free of charge. As space is limited to the first 50 students and their parents, RSVPs are requested; to register for the free class, call CHP Officer Ben Baker at 867-2791 by next Monday, November 16. Additional Start Smart classes will be offered in our area as needed.