AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety has created a new required driver course to combat distracted driving.
A statement released by the DPS Thursday said the Impact Texas Young Drivers course will focus on educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.
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Beginning Sept. 1, all skills examination applicants 18 and older will be required to complete the free one-hour course. Drivers 18-24 will also be required to complete the six-hour adult driver education course prior to a driving test.
“Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis, and it should command our undivided attention," Director Steven McCraw said in a statement released by DPS. “This new component of the department’s distracted driving initiative uses research and compelling true stories to highlight the many risks facing drivers. This important program is designed to provide Texas drivers with critical information to help keep their focus on driving – and to ultimately save lives on Texas roadways.”
The new course is the second course in the Impact Texas Driver Program that was developed by DPS in 2015.
A third course is set to debut in 2018 specifically for drivers 25 and older, but for now these drivers are required to take the 2017 program.
More information about the program can be found on the DPS website.