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Transportation Cabinet
TRANSPORTATION CABINET THINKS “LARGE” WITH NEW SAFETY PROGRAM Online Driver Safety Course Offers 15-Passenger Van Training
FRANKFORT, KY (December 27, 2005) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced today that it has implemented a new driver safety program which serves those who need to operate 15-passenger vans. The Cabinet is now offering this comprehensive online driver safety program in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Center and the National Safety Council.
“This offering underscores the commitment which Governor Fletcher and I have made to all Kentuckians,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “Highway safety is a top priority in this administration. Engineering and safety improvements for our highway system are key components to any driver safety strategy. Equally important are our public awareness campaigns and education programs like this one.”
The new course, “Coaching the Van Driver II”, highlights the differences between vans and cars and teaches drivers how to compensate for those differences. The course focuses on such basics as backing and blind spots, as well as safe stopping points, and drop off procedures when transporting passengers.
Participation in this training program is mandatory for any state employee who drives one of the state fleet’s 15-passenger vans. In fact, after January 31, 2006, no state employee will be permitted to drive a 15-passenger van without having completed the course.
“Coaching the Van Driver II” will also be offered to local government employees, consultant and contractor personnel, colleges, churches, and the general public. “This particular driver safety program narrows the focus of driver education to those who need to use these larger vehicles,” added Secretary Nighbert. “In more than one sense, we’re thinking large here, and not just in terms of the size of the vehicle. We’re thinking of the extent to which this course will affect overall public safety as a result of strengthening skills for all drivers of large vans.”
Registration for this online driver safety program is available at http://kyt2.com/van_driver_coaching_program.htm.
For more information please contact the Kentucky Transportation Center (Ms. Patsy Anderson or Ms. Martha Horseman) by calling 800/432-0719 or (859) 257-4513.
You may also submit registration by mail:
Kentucky Transportation Center
Technology Transfer
176 Raymond Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40506-0281
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