CARTEENS stands for CAUTION and RESPONSIBILITY

and is a program taught by TEENS for TEENS.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for America's youth.  During a typical weekend in the United States, one teenageer dies every 60 minutes.  Unfortunately, Richland County is ranked in the top 25% of Ohio counties with the most juvenile crashes.

CARTEENS is an educational program specifically geared to first-time juvenile traffic offenders.  Students are court ordered to attend. Each student pays a small fee to attend the two hour session. The main objective of the 4-H CARTEENS program is to reduce the number of repeat juvenile traffice offenders  The program targets high impact offenses such as speed, crashes (failure to control and assured clear distance), drinking and driving, and seat belts.  State Highway Patrol Officers council youth on the hazzards they will face daily as young drivers.  Trained teen instructors then present the hands-on portion of the program that includes the use of fatal vision goggles, traffic laws, traffic signs, decision making, communication skills, stopping distance and seat belts. 

This program is implemented and coordinated by OSU Extension personnel.  Our program partners are the Richland County Juvenile Court and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.