April 8, 1995 marked the first session of the Huron County 4-H CARTEENs Program, a traffic safety education program for first time juvenile traffic offenders. The CARTEENs program addresses the climbing rate of teenage traffic offenders in Huron County.  Huron County has experienced an alarming number of teenage traffic violations. In addition, there has been a high occurrence of teen driver related fatalities. Many of our county's teens are accumulating one or more traffic violations within 6-12 months of obtaining their

 drivers license. The saying  that male drivers have more traffic violations hasn't held true with our program. From the evaluations we found that we have an equal number of male and female violators. 

The CAR in CARTEENs represents Caution And Responsibility while TEENS refers to the teenagers who prepare and present the two-hour sessions. Traffic violations range from speeding, stop sign, left of center, drinking/driving, to any other traffic offense. The Juvenile Court Judge, Tim Cardwell, assigns the offenders, aged 15.5  - 18, and at least one parent or guardian to attend a CARTEENs session in lieu of paying a fine.

Our goal is to reduce the number of repeat juvenile offenders. There is a crucial need for this program. If we can save one life and educate our participants on safe driving, then we are successful and our efforts are worthwhile.

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The purpose of this program is to educate first and some second time juvenile traffic offenders and their parents/guardians about traffic safety. This program deals with the reality of the responsibility that a driver has once they are behind the wheel of an automobile. It is designed to motivate inexperienced drivers to consider the choices they make while driving and how the choices they make affect not only them, but those around them.

We also stress that every driver needs to "THINK TWICE" before they drive. Approximately 25 teenager violators are assigned by the court each month to attend the mandatory CARTEENs session. 

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Eligibility for 4-H CARTEENs membership begins at age 14 as of January 1 and ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19. Membership is open to members on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender or      disability. Members agree to abide by a constitution before becoming a member.

Members are required to attend at least eight of the twelve scheduled sessions, unless excused.

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There will be at least twelve sessions per year. Additional sessions may be scheduled at the discretion of the Huron County Juvenile Court. 

The juvenile offender must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A fee to participate is charged per offender. Parent(s) and guardian(s) will not be charged for their attendance. 

The 4-H CARTEEN program registration begins at 6:00 p.m. The session begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.  No late attendance is accepted.

At the end of each session there will be an examination given which each juvenile must pass in order to successfully complete the program. Failure of this examination will necessitate repetition of the program.

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