Fayette County's newest drivers also may turn out to be its safest.

Community School director Jim Pittman said the 280 drivers' education slots available for eight classes were filled the first day of registration with 200 placed on a waiting list. “I hope we can double the drivers' ed program,” Pittman told the school board at Monday night's meeting. The only roadblock at this point appears to be acquiring more cars.

“Car dealers are hesitant to give us cars,” Pittman admitted. The program currently has five cars leased from SouthTown Motors. “We need four more cars and a certified teacher,” he said.

Mickey Littlefield, a board member and insurance broker, said raising the $190 cost of the program would not deter applicants, “Out of 200 kids turned down, a couple wrecks could have been prevented,” he said.

— Pat Newman