On August 8, 2017 the Office of the Sheriff for Queen Anne’s County hosted the first Alive at 25 Driver Safety Training course which was presented by Corporal Charles Gore of the Maryland State Police Crash Team, who taught the four hour course to 25 teenagers from Queen Anne’s County.

The course was sponsored by Lance G. Richardson, State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County, and hosted by Sheriff Gary Hoffman in the training room at the Office of the Sheriff.  The four hour interactive course teaches defensive driving strategies to teens.

Motor vehicle collisions are the number one killer of young adults and the course addresses such issues as: aggressive driving, distracted driving, survival techniques, alcohol, drugs, speed and other dangerous risks which teen drivers are susceptible to.  The course consists of videos, a training manual and an interactive question and answer dialogue with the instructor.

Cpl. Gore of the MSP Crash Team investigates the majority of motor vehicle fatalities in the mid-shore region and he brings his expertise into the classroom as a sobering reminder of the often deadly consequences of irresponsible teen driving.  Richardson stated “I am pleased to bring this course to Queen Anne’s County for our young drivers.  If we can save even one life it is well worth the investment.”  Sheriff Gary Hoffman addressed the group of students and expressed his thanks for their participation and also his care and concerns for their welfare and driving safety.  He urged them to practice safe driving and to not become a statistic.  Richardson also thanked Debbie Jennings, the administrator of the Alive at 25 Program, who agreed to present the first course free to the initial group of volunteer students.  Richardson intends to utilize the program for eligible teens who commit traffic offenses or as an option for parents who simply wish for their teen drivers to receive the training to learn safe driving habits.