SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVES $2,500 GRANT TO EDUCATE TEEN DRIVERS
Durham, N.C., Oct. 26, 2012—The Durham County Sheriff’s Office on Monday received a $2,500 grant through the State Farm “Celebrate My Drive” initiative. The grant was awarded to the Sheriff’s Office by State Farm agent Courtney Gunnels, who coordinated a local Celebrate My Drive event Sept. 15 in northern Durham.

State Farm introduced the Celebrate My Drive program nationwide this year as an opportunity for communities to rally around and educate teens as they learn to drive. As part of the Celebrate My Drive campaign, State Farm awarded numerous grants to schools, students and law enforcement agencies that demonstrate a dedication to educating teens about safe driving.

The Sheriff’s Office plans to use the $2,500 to purchase new equipment for the Sheriff’s Impaired Driving Education and Awareness (IDEA) program. Dep. Paul Aiken, who heads the IDEA program, said he hopes to buy new impairment simulation goggles, new batteries for the golf cart students drive, a digital video camera, and items such as key chains, lanyards and wristbands that will help remind teens to drive safely.

The Impaired Driving Education and Awareness program is a free service the Sheriff’s Office provides to county citizens and businesses. The IDEA program is designed to educate new and experienced drivers alike in the hazards of impaired driving. Participants in the program negotiate a golf cart through a course while wearing goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol or drug impairment.