Drive Smart South Coast is a partnership between local law enforcement, community-minded leaders and businesses along with the South Coast Youth Courts have formed a coalition to prevent distracted and reckless driving in the area among juveniles. Drive Smart South Coast will utilize a 3-pronged approach of heightened enforcement, education and diversion programming and community awareness to address the issue.
Drive Smart South Coast is a six- eight week diversion program serving juveniles between the ages of 16-18 within the South Coast, New Bedford, Fall River, Acushnet, Dartmouth and Fairhaven areas. As cases a processed, young drivers will not only receive an educational class, but they will serve community service in their town/city. They will also be responsible for serving on another young persons panel, writing apology letters, research projects and reflection papers. Successful participation in the program will allow youth and their families to avoid expensive fines, insurance premiums and a license suspension.
Sanctions that could be issued: Drive Smart driving class, Community Service, Jury Duty at Youth Court, written or verbal apologies, reflections papers. Community Service will entail working to better the community through various projects.