Interview Mr. Pete Capone | Driver's Education Coordinator
Questions by Mark Nugent, video by Alyssa Bruce
Mr. Pete Capone is the head of the driver’s education program, which is also called the Comprehensive Driver Safety Program. It has utilized computer programmed intelligence since 1997. The program is divided into three parts: classroom training to pass the permit exam, a driving simulator, and behind-the-wheel training.
The simulator section is 12 hours of computer programmed driving practice that helps students develop defensive driving techniques and strategies. This part of the program is highly regarded by the state; in fact, it has acknowledged the great work that the driver’s education program has done in the township and has granted the schools of Hamilton new simulators.
The behind-the-wheel section takes students into residential areas and highways to let them safely practice actual driving with a proctor in the car.
As coordinator, Capone says that the passion that keeps him going and risking his life is keeping students safe in their cars and ultimately keeping other drivers safe. "U Got Brains" is a student-generated program which encourages any and all methods and ideas to remind and motivate students to stay safe by avoiding distractions, wearing seat belts and not speeding.
The Student/Parent orientation meeting increases awareness of the Graduated Drivers' License. Capone says, "We discuss the parts of the law, the importance of following the law, and tips for following and enforcing the law in your household. We review the process of going through the stages of the Permit, to the Probationary License through the Basic License. Parents and the teen driver are encouraged to keep an open dialogue throughout the process and put the safety of the teen first. Discussions on rewards and consequences and reviewing and signing contracts to follow increase the chances of their teen staying safe in the car."
An important issue for Capone these days is texting while driving. He stated that 23% of his students are texting while driving; he most definitely wants that number to go down. Mr.Capone wants to remind his students that driving a car is not for you to impress your friends and fool around -- your life is on the line every time you step inside a car. His passion for keeping the students of Nottingham safe in their cars is commendable.
The simulator section is 12 hours of computer programmed driving practice that helps students develop defensive driving techniques and strategies. This part of the program is highly regarded by the state; in fact, it has acknowledged the great work that the driver’s education program has done in the township and has granted the schools of Hamilton new simulators.
The behind-the-wheel section takes students into residential areas and highways to let them safely practice actual driving with a proctor in the car.
As coordinator, Capone says that the passion that keeps him going and risking his life is keeping students safe in their cars and ultimately keeping other drivers safe. "U Got Brains" is a student-generated program which encourages any and all methods and ideas to remind and motivate students to stay safe by avoiding distractions, wearing seat belts and not speeding.
The Student/Parent orientation meeting increases awareness of the Graduated Drivers' License. Capone says, "We discuss the parts of the law, the importance of following the law, and tips for following and enforcing the law in your household. We review the process of going through the stages of the Permit, to the Probationary License through the Basic License. Parents and the teen driver are encouraged to keep an open dialogue throughout the process and put the safety of the teen first. Discussions on rewards and consequences and reviewing and signing contracts to follow increase the chances of their teen staying safe in the car."
An important issue for Capone these days is texting while driving. He stated that 23% of his students are texting while driving; he most definitely wants that number to go down. Mr.Capone wants to remind his students that driving a car is not for you to impress your friends and fool around -- your life is on the line every time you step inside a car. His passion for keeping the students of Nottingham safe in their cars is commendable.