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15 April 2009

Students participate in crash Training

In response to a tragic car crash that killed two Middleboro High School students, several organizations are teaming up to provide potentially life-saving crash prevention training in memory of the victims. MHS seniors John DeYoung, 18, and Brian McMahon, 17, were killed in a December 2008 crash that was blamed, in part, on driver error. In Control Advanced Driver Training will provide training to the victims' friends and classmates at a special class on Sunday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in South Weymouth. Harrington Insurance Agency and The Arbella Insurance Group are making it possible for Middleboro teens to receive hands-on crash prevention training in a safe setting, where they can learn how to avoid crashes that could be prevented with proper training.
"While there is nothing that can make up for the loss of Joseph and Brian, I want other teens and parents to know how easily inexperienced drivers can lose control of their vehicle," said Sherri DeYoung, mother of John DeYoung. "We often lose teens in car crashes because they are not prepared to react to the dangers that confront them on the road. Through In Control's program, we are hoping to help other teens learn crash prevention skills. Our goal is to honor Joseph and Brian by saving others' lives."
"The crash that killed John and Brian is a tragic example of a situation that is repeated over and over," said Rick McDonnell of Harrington Insurance. "Young drivers are not ready for the unexpected dangers that surprise all of us on the road. In Control's hands-on program gives new drivers the skills to avoid crashes, and instills an attitude of respect for the dangers inherent with driving."
Automobile crashes are the number one killer of teens and of all people under age 45. In Control's program, the first crash prevention program to be certified by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, has been found to reduce crash rates in new drivers by 70 percent. The training is being provided at a crucial time when warmer weather and events such as proms and graduation celebrations result in more young drivers hitting the roads.
"A majority people assume teen car crashes are mostly caused by drugs and alcohol, but that is not the case," said In Control President Dan Strollo. "Most teen crashes are caused by driver inexperience. As a society, we put teens on the road long before they have the skills, attitude, and experience to know how to react and avoid crashes. At In Control, we provide training that will help these teens stay safe."
Middleborough teens are invited to take In Control's crash prevention training on April 26 in South Weymouth (at the former Naval Air Station) for $99, a discount of $200 provided by the Harrington Insurance Agency and The Arbella Insurance Group. To register for the Middleboro Teen Day class, go to http://www.driveincontrol.com/middleborough/, or call (888) 301-SAFE. If students are unable to attend the April 26 training, In Control will offer Middleboro families a $50 discount toward a course at a different time.

Source : www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090416/PUB04/904160320

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