BFPD and ITD partner to create 'Alive at 25' program for young drivers

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry Police Department has partnered with the Idaho Transportation Department to form “Alive at 25,” a program aimed at reducing fatal accidents amongst one of the most vulnerable population groups — teenage and young adult drivers. 

According to the National Safety Council, vehicle collisions are the number one killer of teens across the United States collisions. The BFPD will be providing a handout to drivers under the age of 25 stopped for traffic offenses with information regarding a defensive driving course. 

For first-time citation recipients, the completion of the course may result in a reduction or dismissal of the citation.  

The Alive at 25 course is free and online at aliveat25.us.  

The course, which is four-and-a-half hours long, does not replace a driver’s education course. At this time, the online course indicates it is full, but if you click the link on the website, it still allows registration and completion of the course 

The program was designed to focus on changing behavior and help with better decision-making amongst teens and young drivers when they are behind the wheel.  

“BFPD wants to ensure the safety of everyone on our highways and streets, and this course aims to assist us in our mission,” Assistant Chief Jeremy Garrett said. “BFPD hopes to create a safer roadway for all by providing young drivers with tools to provide them with the opportunity to become better drivers. Thank you for all the support, and gratitude that we receive in this wonderful corner of the world we choose to call home, and we appreciate you all.” 

As a reminder, with all the construction going on around the area, Garrett reminded drivers to be patient, courteous, and forgiving to those around them.