Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many teens, marking a transition toward independence and responsibility.
Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many teens, marking a transition toward independence and responsibility.
With winter weather creating hazardous road conditions, that privilege also demands focus, maturity and a commitment to safe driving habits that protect drivers, passengers and the broader community.
In an effort to foster those safe habits, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Munson Fire Department and Junction Auto Group held a Youth Orientation Under the Hood event Jan. 11 at Junction Buick GMC, 12423 Ravenna Road in Munson Township — drawing more than 50 teens from local schools, church organizations and county programs.
“We’re hoping the young drivers will have, at least, one or two takeaways from the Y.O.U.T.H. auto clinic evening they can use in their driving life for many years to come,” said event organizer Shaun Woolard.
The first Y.O.U.T.H. event was held in 2019 and organizers hope to offer it more regularly.
“Junction is a fifth generation, family-owned dealer and we care deeply about our community of future generations of drivers,” Woolard said. “We all have to start somewhere with our vehicles, so we want this event to be informative for younger drivers and hopefully, it will help aid them in some way for the many different roads to ahead.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16 to 19 than among any other age group.
Y.O.U.T.H highlights strategies aimed at improving teen driver safety.
Teens rotated through three instructional stations, including one focused on safe driving practice and navigating winter road conditions.
The sheriff’s office has an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training program with four state-certified deputies serving as driving instructors, including Chief Deputy Tom Rowan and Deputy Dave Shaffer, who represented the sheriff’s office at the event.
“Always wear your seatbelt,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer, who typically teaches high-speed vehicle dynamics and pursuit driving, focused his instruction on more practical topics for young drivers, including distracted driving, weather driving, crash avoidance, seatbelt use and how to check tire tread depth.
“Driving is a part of everyday life for most of us,” said sheriff’s Lt. James Jonovich. “It becomes second nature and a mundane task. However, it is a big responsibility. One mistake, one distraction can have life-changing consequences. Pay attention while driving and limit distractions. Prior to winter season, verify your tires are adequate. When faced with adverse weather, plan for your commute to take extra time and then take your time while driving. Arriving late is always the better option.”
Junction’s business office associates provided information about financial responsibility, including safeguarding credit and personal information. Service department staff shared basic vehicle maintenance tips, such as how to open the hood, add washer fluid and perform simple checks.
“I’m an ASE-certified technician and so proud to help show some Y.O.U.T.H.,” said Dylan Velek, a 23-year-old graduate of Maplewood Automotive Career Center.
Velek demonstrated how to check oil levels, refill windshield washer fluid and locate a spare tire or inflator kit.
Brooke Bourdeau, Geauga County Job and Family Services case worker and independent living coordinator, attended the event with two foster youths.
“I wanted to share that I really thought it was a great presentation,” Bourdeau said. “I liked how it was split into three smaller parts. As we all know, teens’ attention spans are short, so I thought that was helpful to keep them engaged. I thought it was very informative and focused on things that are helpful for the teens.”
Both teens said they especially appreciated the financial information, Bourdeau said.
“I definitely would be interested in bringing youth again next year if you have the event again,” Bourdeau said.
Gina Hofstetter of Burton attended with her 15-year-old daughter, Addison “Addi” Hofstetter, a Berkshire High School freshman.
“I had no idea that a check engine light was a thing but after today, I now know how to look under the hood without feeling totally lost,” Addi said. “It’s a lot less intimidating to start driving when you know how to handle a flat tire or an oil change yourself instead of just hoping for the best on the side of the road. I am thrilled to start driving, as it grants me the independence to participate more fully in Chardon’s Curtain 440 theatre group while finally retiring my mom from ‘Uber duty.’”
Her mother said she was equally grateful for the opportunity.
“As a parent of a soon-to-be teen driver, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to our sheriff’s office, Junction Auto Group and the many first responders for providing this amazing opportunity for our children,” Gina said. “Their efforts are the true definition of ‘community’ coming together to support our local teens.”
