Sevierville Police Department Schedules FREE Collision Avoidance Training for Young Drivers 2023

Posted 08-29-23.

In an effort to improve the driving abilities and overall safety of younger drivers, the Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a FREE Collision Avoidance Training (CAT) class on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 7:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Students will meet at the Sevierville Police Department and then continue the class at the Sevierville Convention Center.

The training is for drivers aged 16-20 years old who have a valid driver’s license (participants are required to provide their own vehicle and have current insurance). The seminar is taught by SPD Officers utilizing a nationally proven program.

The class is free. Registration is limited. For more information or to register contact Lieutenant Rebecca Cowan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 865-868-1866. The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. October 5, 2023.

Participants will receive both classroom and practical driving in a controlled environment utilizing their own vehicle, so that they can become familiar with the vehicle they will likely be driving on the road. We all learn many valuable lessons through mistakes, but the class provides drivers with opportunities to make mistakes on a designed driving course with a qualified instructor in their vehicle. Participants will better understand the limits of their vehicles and their own driving ability.

Unlike basic driving programs, participants will receive instruction and practical experience in the following areas:
 Evasive maneuvers
 Threshold/ Emergency braking
 Forward serpentine
 Cornering
 Backing
 Skid recovery
 Reverse serpentine
 Off-road recovery.

The training will provide young drivers with the knowledge and skills to be safer and less likely to experience serious collisions.

“Because of the high traffic volume in our community, we experience a significant number of traffic collisions,” said SPD Chief Joseph Manning. “The CAT program will improve the safety of our young drivers; I urge all parents to seriously consider this training.”

According to Tennessee crash statistics, Sevier County is 5th highest in young driver involved crashes in the State. Nationally, over 60% of all new drivers will be involved in a crash within the first twelve months of getting their driver’s license. Over 40% of those crashes will result in the driver being hospitalized.

ATTACHED PHOTO: Several 2022 class participants gather with certificates.