�Alive at 25� comes to Vermillion

â�?�?Alive at 25â�?�? comes to Vermillion South Dakota's newest tool for keeping young drivers safe behind the wheel is making its Clay County debut this weekend. The Highway Patrol will teach the Alive at 25 class Saturday in Vermillion. Alive at 25 is a defensive driving program for drivers between the ages of 14 and 24.  Unlike driver's education classes, Alive at 25 does not teach kids how to drive a car, but rather how to be responsible behind the wheel. The program focuses on behaviors and decision-making practices. Recent statistics show those who take the Alive at 25 course are 63 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash. "It's hard to argue with statistics like that.  This program has the ability to save lives.  I hope people in Vermillion will take advantage of this opportunity," said Trooper Paul Gerken, Alive at 25 Instructor. The "Alive at 25" course lasts 4.5 hours and is classroom-based.  It is available to anyone between the ages of 14 and 24.  Those interested in taking the class can register online at www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org or by calling 1.800.952.5539. Seats are limited. The South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota Safety Council launched Alive at 25 in South Dakota in the spring of 2008. For more information on the program, visit www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org.