Teen Driver Safety

2:32 pm | Friday, Oct 28th
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In 2015, 37% of Williamson County crashes involved a licensed driver between 15 and 24 years old. Because vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., Franklin Police and local businesses have teamed up to offer teens a unique perspective of life behind the wheel.

Bringing Awareness Through Training and Life Experiences (B.A.T.T.L.E.) is a 6.5-hour program that teaches teen drivers safe behind-the-wheel behaviors through an interactive, hands-on experience with officers. BATTLE combines the rules of the road with the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, occupant protection, and dangerous driving behaviors. The class is free and open to Williamson County teens with parental permission, and a valid Tennessee driver’s license or learner’s permit.

To apply, complete this online application or visit FranklinTN.gov/TeenSafeDriving. A member of the FPD Traffic Unit will contact applicants to confirm their acceptance into our November 5, 2016 offering. The class runs from 8:30am-3pm; seating is limited, and registration is required.

BATTLE does not replace, and cannot be substituted for, traditional driver’s education training, and is made possible by Hyundai of Cool Springs, Nissan of Cool Springs, Infiniti of Cool Springs, Jet’s Pizza, and the Franklin Police Department.

Speak Up! against distracted driving event set for Saturday

4:38 pm | Friday, Nov 6th
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Multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Williamson County are joining together to collectively spread the word about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Speak Up, a free day-long event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center.

The event is designed to be a fun day for the whole family, as well as to open up the lines of communication between parents and their teenage children about driving, while texting or drinking.

“Teenagers often hear about these dangers at school, but the parents aren’t always involved in those conversations,” said event organizer Todd Ice, with SERVPRO of Williamson County. “This event is designed to help parents know how to ask their teenagers about this topic and educate both the parents and the teens on these very real dangers.

“If we can save one life, it’ll be worth it.”

In addition to activities for smaller children such as bounce houses and face painting, the day will include a live crash simulation culminating with a LifeFlight departure (weather permitting), live entertainment, guest speakers, Power for the Parent workshops on drug awareness and a drunk driving challenge course.

Involved in the event will be the Franklin and Brentwood Police, Franklin Fire Department, Fairview Police Department, the Williamson County Anti-Drug Coalition, Williamson County CASA, Williamson County Juvenile Court, Williamson County Sherriff’s Department, Williamson County EMS, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Guard, among others.

There will be food trucks, a touch-a-truck and toys and prizes for the children with live music on an entertainment stage throughout the day with performances from Allie Brooks, Mila Mason, Spring Hill HarMonix, Jesse & Noah and other local and regional performers.

All proceeds from the event will go to the children’s hospital at Williamson Medical Center and the Williamson County Anti-Drug Coalition. The event is brought to you by SERVPRO of Williamson County with the support of Unique Quality Marketing, Inc.