Here at Woodford County High School, the administration brings in an instructor to teach the Alive At 25 driving education class. I have noticed that among students there is a severe lack of knowledge about what the class is. When I  asked students what the Alive At 25 course was, most had no clue what it actually is, or why they should take it.

Alive At 25 is a four and a half hour driver awareness program. It is required by the Kentucky Driving Cabinet for persons under the age of 18 to get their full unrestricted drivers license. A secondary incentive to take the class is that it helps to lower insurance rates.

Contrary to popular belief, the class does not teach behind the wheel driving or driving techniques. Taught by the Kentucky State Police department, instructors are current or past patrol officers. They teach students based on their own in-the-field experience about the risks of driving and how to mitigate those risks while being a responsible driver. The use of the Kentucky State police really helps students grasp the impact that their actions can have as the instructors explain different crash sites they have had to work, and also what happens after the crash when they have to go to the homes of the families who have lost children due to irresponsible driving behavior.

Prior to the class, I myself felt invincible while driving, but now I have changed my driving behaviors and am a much more cautious and self-aware driver.

Lastly, take the class, and the age of 25 you shall surpass.