Young drivers in Blount County are setting the bar for responsible driving after participating in a program designed to combat negligent driving behavior. The local Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff James Lee Berrong, celebrated the completion of this year's STAND (Sheriff and Teens Against Negligent Driving) course, where teens honed their driving skills and discussed the sobering consequences of driving distractions.
The 10-hour course, spread across last Friday evening and last Saturday, offered hands-on experience and instruction on the essentials of driving, including steering techniques, braking, and parking. The Blount County Sheriff's Office social media post highlighted the comprehensive approach of the class, tackling topics like collision avoidance, the dangers of distracted driving, and none too soon, many of the students saw marked improvement in their driving abilities by the end of the session.
One particularly powerful moment of the course was the impact statement shared by Mrs. Hazel Hughes, who tragically lost her son to a distracted driving accident. Her story served as a poignant reminder of the grave responsibilities that come with a driver’s license. Certificates were awarded to the graduates as recognition of their commitment to safer driving practices. Sheriff Berrong, the architect behind STAND back in 2017, has been focused on equipping young Blount County drivers, aged 15 to 17, with the necessary skills to navigate the roads with confidence and care.
The last session of the STAND program for the year concluded with the office's assurance, "We will be back next year!" for those who are looking to take part in this useful and potentially life-saving course, as noted by the Blount County Sheriff's Office.
