About

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for U.S. teens. The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than among any other age group. Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven.^CDC Teen drivers simply lack driving experience and tend to overestimate their ability to handle dangerous situations on the road, which leads to a greater likelihood of teen car crashes. 

B.R.A.K.E.S. is on a mission to change that.

THE B.R.A.K.E.S. STORY—Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

When NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic highway crash in January of 2008, his grief led to resolve, inspiring a mission to help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

Herbert wasted no time in putting his mission into motion, creating B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe), a 501(c)3 charity organization that provides FREE, hands-on advanced driver training through its Teen Pro-Active Driving School.

What are B.R.A.K.E.S.’ primary goals?

To prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.

Isn’t conventional driver’s education adequate training for teenagers?

While conventional driver’s education is important and valuable, the B.R.A.K.E.S Teen Pro-Active Driving School curriculum goes well beyond that level of training, addressing common driving situations responsible for many traffic crashes involving teens.

What’s included in the B.R.A.K.E.S. curriculum?

Driving exercises include: Distracted Driving Awareness, Panic Braking, Crash Avoidance, Car Control/Skid Recovery, Drop-wheel/Off-road Recovery. Other elements include proper seat and mirror placement, proper use of seatbelts, eye scanning, Big Rig Safety, What to do during a Traffic Stop and more.   

Overall, how many students have attended the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School?

More than 73,000 teenagers -- plus their parents -- have attended the B.R.A.K.E.S. program, totaling more than 150,000 safer drivers from 46 different states and 5 countries.

Where are B.R.A.K.E.S. schools held?

B.R.A.K.E.S. travels all over the county to train teens and parents in defensive driving. Recent locations include, Birmingham, AL; Harrisonburg, VA; Kansas City, MO; Ft. Meyers, FL; Nashville, TN; Reno, NV; East Rutherford, NJ; Salinas, CA and Sonoma, CA. We also returned to popular venues in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Upcoming Registration Schedule

Can B.R.A.K.E.S. bring its program to my community?

B.R.A.K.E.S. continues to look for additional locations to expand its training program. In order to hold a driving school in your community, B.R.A.K.E.S requires assistance in covering the associated costs in bringing the program to you. In general, the cost is about $500 per student and one weekend of B.R.A.K.E.S. instruction will train approximately 200 students. Please contact the B.R.A.K.E.S. headquarters for more information.

Who are the instructors for B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School and what are their qualifications?

B.R.A.K.E.S. instructors come from various backgrounds, but all have extensive experience in advanced driver training and defensive driving instruction. They include current and former members of law enforcement, professional racing drivers, and even some drivers who perform stunts in movies. In addition to their previous experience, B.R.A.K.E.S. conducts its own rigorous course for instructors to ensure consistent and safe delivery of our proven curriculum.

How much does it cost to attend a B.R.A.K.E.S.?

The B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving school is offered free of charge. We require a $99 deposit at the time of registration, but this deposit is refundable upon the completion of class. As a non-profit 501 (c)3 charity, B.R.A.K.E.S. relies on donations, sponsorships, and various fundraising events to cover the costs of bringing this lifesaving program to teenagers across the country.