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Good morning, Grice Connect readers, Kori here. Missed me, haven't you?
Recently I was one of a select few that attended a Drivers Education Class, that took place at Ogeechee Technical College.
Ogeechee Technical College’s Driver’s Ed Program is a state-approved course that meets the requirements for Joshua’s Law and is available to all students between 15 and 17 years of age who possess a valid Georgia learner’s permit. Joshua’s Law is named after Joshua Brown, a high school student who suffered fatal injuries after a hydroplaning accident in 2003. Joshua’s father created the legislation to ensure that teen drivers receive quality driver education that saves lives.
The cost of the course is $375 and includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Students must attend all class sessions for the entire program and complete six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel driving. Scholarships are also available through the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount on insurance premiums upon successful completion of this course. Limited scholarships are available for each class.
“Ogeechee Technical College is proud to be able to offer our Driver’s Education course to the students in our service area. Not only do they receive in-class learning about Georgia driving laws and behind the wheel instruction with a certified instructor, but they also have the opportunity to hear from professionals in the field that share with them many different scenarios. They then go further to show that the decisions they make while driving, if it’s a wrong decision, could have serious impact on them as well as others. That alone increases the benefit of them enrolling in the class,” said Bob Olliff, Ogeechee Technical College Continuing Education.
Interactive experience
Outside looking in, you would think it’s just some boring class you're required to have attended to get your driver's license.
That wasn’t the case. We did many interactive activities during the four days I was there, such as an vehicle maintenance lab which was instructed by Jason Raub, impaired driving session which was instructed by Pam Pittman and Bob Olliff, and having a guest speaker, Captain Marcus Nesmith, to present the program and to further discuss what to do and what not to do while driving.
I can admit during instructional time when times got slightly dull, our wonderful instructor, Mrs. Pam Pittman, brought that energy back by either telling a joke or just telling us a very interesting story either about one of her kids, pertaining to mistakes made while driving.
Understanding risks of driving
So to all of the upcoming teenagers reading this or just out in the society in general, I know driving may seem like a fun thing to do as you get older, but many risks do follow, so I urge you follow the proper precautions before just hopping in the driver's seat and taking off on your adventure. If anyone didn't further convey the risk to me, teachers at Ogeechee Technical College sure did.
Helpful experience
Overall I really enjoyed my time there and appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the class. Being that I’m like any other teen that is eager to drive, it was great to get a better grasp of the risk that is involved in driving.
I would also like to further thank the individuals that lended their time to conduct activities for us making my experience and others great such as:
- Jason Raub (instructor in Industrial Systems) - Vehicle Maintenance Instructor
- Bob Olliff, (DE Instructor and Continuing Education) - Impaired Driving session
- Captain Marcus Nesmith (BCSO Crime Suppression Division) - Presented the program to class
Before I closed out, I just want to pass on some information that was bestowed on me,
DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!
