About Our Program
What is Driving Angels?
Driving Angels is a teen driving education and diversion program that reduces risky driving behaviors and prevents motor vehicle crashes. The program is offered six times a year on Saturday mornings and is presented in collaboration with the Colerain Township Police Department, Colerain Township Fire Department, Hamilton County Traffic Safety Officers, local high schools and UC Medical Center Trauma Services.
What is the goal of Driving Angels?
The goal of Driving Angels is to:
Reduce repeat traffic violations
Increase awareness of the consequences of unsafe driving
Encourage safer decision-making
Prevent injuries and loss of life due to motor vehicle crashes
Who should attend?
Driving Angels is intended for teen drivers who:
Have received a minor traffic citation
Are referred by law enforcement or juvenile court
Choose the program voluntarily to improve driving knowledge and decision-making
How do students enroll in the program?
Students may attend voluntarily, or they may be referred by officers from:
Colerain Township
Delhi Township
Harrison Township
Springfield Township
Some students also select Driving Angels from diversion options offered by a judge.
Is Driving Angels a court diversion program?
Yes. Since 2009, Driving Angels has been offered as a Juvenile Court Diversion Program for Hamilton County teenage offenders. Students who complete the program and provide proof of completion may:
Avoid court appearances
Have fines reduced or dropped
See citations become non-existent within six months
Eligibility and outcomes depend on the referring officer or court.
What topics does the program cover?
The program addresses:
The real-life consequences of unsafe driving
Impaired and distracted driving
Decision-making behind the wheel
Emergency response and trauma care following crashes
Personal responsibility and accountability
How is the program structured?
Driving Angels uses a multidisciplinary and peer-supported approach, with presentations led by:
Mr. Skip Phelps, who shares the story of losing his daughter in a motor vehicle crash
Police officers and firefighters who respond to crashes
A trauma nurse from UC Medical Center
High school student co-instructors who help create a relatable, peer-to-peer learning environment
Is the program interactive?
Yes. Students participate in hands-on learning, including the use of a driving simulator while wearing alcohol-impaired simulation goggles. This experience helps demonstrate how impairment affects reaction time, judgment and driving ability.
When is Driving Angels offered?
The program is offered six times per year, typically on Saturday mornings.
Where is the program held?
Driving Angels is hosted in partnership with local law enforcement and community agencies. Specific locations are shared at the time of registration or referral.
Is there a cost to participate?
Participation details vary depending on referral type. For many students, successful completion of the program may result in reduced or eliminated fines and no required court appearance.
Will this program help change teen driving behavior?
Yes. By combining personal loss, medical expertise, law enforcement experience and peer involvement, Driving Angels helps teens understand that driving choices have real, lasting consequences—and that safer decisions protect lives.
