KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KERO) — Driving can be daunting when you first get your license and even more daunting: what to do when you get into an accident?
Bakersfield High senior Maggie Gless came up with the idea for the CLUTCH card after getting into a small crash herself.
“Shock kind of made me lose all focus in what I was doing and all logic in my brain," said Gless.
The students participated in the Ford Dream Builders project. It's a program that pairs high school students with corporate sponsors and advisers to create a community service project.
With the CLUTCH Card, you can scan its QR code and instantly access PDFs and videos on topics like changing a tire, filing an insurance claim, and what steps to take after getting in a crash.
Bakersfield Christian High senior Sydney Schuetz said it was rewarding working with students, for students.
"Getting to have [that] involvement from around the community and different high schools, it just really opens your eyes to a ton of new opportunities and you meet so many new people," said Schuetz.
The team also worked with the Bakersfield Police Department. Officers told them how many non-emergency automobile incidents they get called to and the students wanted to help free up those resources.
CLUTCH Cards are available at BPD and Assemblyman Vince Fong’s office.
Gless said BPD is in the early phases of creating an app and the CLUTCH Card will be a part of it. She hopes these cards support both new drivers and their parents.
“The sort of peace of mind not only for them but their parents has been really amazing and it's something that's easily in your back pocket or wallet that you know is there," said Gless.
Giving new drivers more confidence as they get behind the wheel.
