Clackamas Sheriff’s Office Asks Teens to “Drive with a Cop”

Friday, October 23, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is raising awareness about safe driving by asking teenagers behind the wheel to “Drive with a Cop.”

The program is part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs through October 24, and is cosponsored by the Oregon Impact and World of Speed Museum. Teens will go through a driving course with a police officer, and have the opportunity to try on a pair of impaired goggles.

Participants will also hear from a panel of speakers and learn about the dangers of distracted driving.

"Our deputies who are trained driving instructors will take teens through the same driving maneuvers that we learn in law enforcement," said Sheriff Craig Roberts. "This is a great opportunity for teens to improve their driving skills and learn about how to stay safe on the road."

Carrie Higgins, the mother of 17-year-old Maddi Higgins, who lost her life in a car accident last year, will be on hand to share her story.

Higgins founded “Angel 5—- Long Live the Legacy of Five” campaign to make young people aware of the consequences of speeding and driving while impaired or distracted. It is named for five Clackmas County teens who lost their lives in car crashes during the past 16 months.

"It keeps Maddi's name alive, but more importantly hopefully it saves lives," said Carrie Higgins of the "Angel 5" campaign. "Hopefully our efforts can prevent one fatality and one family from going through what we have."

For more information, or to register for the program, visit the program’s website.

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