Glenwood Police Department Offering Driver Safety Program

The Glenwood Police Department is offering a new driver safety program.

The program is set to provide instruction for individuals who want to increase their safety while operating vehicles and will offer guidance that goes further than the offerings of a drivers ed course.

Participants can expect to learn and improve upon skills for general safety including backing, parking, braking, and mirror usage. There will also be opportunities for more advanced skills like recovering from skids.

“You do some of that stuff with Driver’s Ed. This isn’t a driver’s ed course, it’s more enhanced,”  Police Chief Eric Johansen said.Johansen believes course participants will gain multiple benefits from their participation.

“Potentially, an insurance company might give you a reduced rate if you have a certificate, plus the skills you’ll hopefully learn by going through the course,” Johansen said.

The course will be led by Sergeant Jacob Power, who is a certified driving instructor through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. The proposed curriculum is inspired by a similar program offered in Sarpy County, Nebraska.

“We had a rash of traffic accidents prior to him putting this together. And he’s like, this might be very beneficial,” Johansen said.

A program date has not yet been set as the department is looking to get a minimum of 8 interested participants. The program is open to drivers of all ages.

“It’s geared, probably for younger drivers. However, it’d be open to anyone that’s interested,” Johansen said.

Those interested in participating in the program should reach out to the Glenwood Police Department for a registration form and to pay a $100 fee. Requirements for the class include a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance. Minors must receive parent permission.

The course is planned to involve an approximately four-hour class in the morning followed by a practical in the afternoon. The practical will involve navigating a course with the instructor to apply the lessons from the morning class.