"To the Team at B.R.A.K.E.S I wanted to let you know that after over 18 months since attending your course in June 2018 my daughter had her 1st accident recently. Something hit her back tire and she starting to fishtail but she took control of the car thanks to the great instructors on your team. She is OK, a little shaken up, and not much damage to her car. The reason for my follow up is after she had calmed down her response to me was "Mum because of you sending my to the B.R.A.K.E.S. class I knew exactly what to do". I cannot imagine what would have happened had she panicked. Your course is invaluable. I would do this course ten times over and will definitely be sending my son when he turns of age. Thank you to you and your team for keeping our children safe and providing such a valuable tool to the community Regards Tanya Bowden A thankful parent in Florida "
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"Just want to drop a note of thanks to KKW for being a part of the driving school. Working in the transportation industry it is my hope that my son is not going to be one of those that cuts off trucks on the road or even worse is in an accident with a truck because of his ignorance of what the truck driver is going through. Thank you for putting your trucks in a program that allows our youth to take a moment to see it from the truck drivers point of view and allowing the drivers to talk with my son and others about highway safety."
-Dave Burrescia
"Thank you again I truly appreciate it. I also wanted to say that my son loved your course! He was a little apprehensive at the thought of taking the course being a new driver but once he got there he truly enjoyed it. I personally applaud you all for what you are doing. Unfortunately Driver's Education really misses the mark when it comes to preparing teens and new drivers for the dangers of the road. I spent 14 years as a Police Officer and some of the best training I got was the skills I learned from our driving course. You and your team absolutely put together a course that closely mimics the instruction I received and I couldn't be more impressed. Thank you again for all you do!"
-Parent, New Hampshire
"I want y'all to know that the $99 was some of the best money I've ever spent. I got home that afternoon and sent a note with a link to BRAKES to every parent I know with a teenage driver. My daughter gained a lot of skills that will stay with her. Thanks"
-Parent, Raleigh, NC
"My son and I attended BRAKES at the LA County Fairgrounds on April 26th. Yesterday, he was alone driving home from a high school baseball game approaching an intersection, on a green light about 45 mph. At the very last second, a car turned left in front of him. My son hit the brakes hard, engaging the abs, and steered away from the car as he stayed hard in the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. He attributed his reaction and collision avoidance to everything he learned at BRAKES. He described how, during the incident, he had anticipated the other driver turning in front of him and he knew the ABS engaged because of the feel and knew to stay on them as he steered away. The scenario was virtually identical to what he experienced at the school. Your school paid for itself 1000 times over last night. Thank you so much. "
-John Lewis,Temecula, CA
"I'm sure you hear this a lot, but, my son took your training 4 years ago...tonight he called me after skidding and avoiding a serious accident, quite shaken he said "thanks for the BRAKES training" Thanks to all of you that volunteer and to Doug , know that it's working and you are saving countless lives."
-Kris Jones
"First, let me say a HUGE thank you for creating the "Put On The Brakes" program. Our youngest daughter, Tessa, went through the training held last year in Irvine, CA. Because I wasn’t working at the time, we couldn’t afford Master Drive (the program we’d put our older daughter through) and a friend recommended your program to us. We signed her up immediately and were so thankful that she had the training that made us comfortable with her driving. Last Friday, my other daughter (Aspen’s) car, a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, broke down and we learned that it needed thousands of dollars of work. She’s attending Bible Institute with plans on becoming a worship leader in church… and, again, money was an issue. But my husband said we should look at Kia because that’s the car he’d driven in the Brakes program and it was affordable and a good car. So, we looked and we bought! She’s the proud owner of a 2015 Kia Soul - she’s making the payments herself, too! If it hadn’t been for Kia’s support of the Brakes program - we wouldn’t be owners of a Kia - please let them know that their support of programs like yours has a tremendous impact on the next generation of drivers. Thanks so much for your help in ensuring our girls are safe when they drive. We so appreciate it! We know your story - but we can’t imagine your loss. Our hearts are full when we think of the significant contribution you’re making into the lives of families across America as a result of the loss of your boys. We pray for you and your family!"
-Judi Chimits (and Bob)
"We just finished the BRAKES course Sunday at Concord. I was absolutely blown away by the experience for myself and especially for my teen. My husband has been out of work for two years, so I had intended to take back the check to hold my seat, but in the end, gratefully gave it as a donation for this stupendous program. I am a writer and write a daily inspirational blog. Today I wrote about BRAKES, and thought you might like to see it. http://vickykaseorg.blogspot.com/2013/11/arising-from-grief.html Many thanks to all the fantastic volunteers and an exceptional program."
-Vicky
"Thank you for forwarding Emma's letter to me. It looked like she wrote straight from her heart and that is what is most important !!!........her handwriting is another story :-O Very honestly, I was immensely impressed by the amount of thought and effort that everyone at BRAKES put into the course. When we first arrived, just seeing the untold number of cones set up along the course routes was an eye opener. At age 55, I would have approached each of the exercises with real trepidation. I can only imagine what was going through the students minds when they were asked to hop in the drivers seat and hit the pedal !! In the end, what said it all, though, were the smiles on the student's faces as they completed their respective sections of the course. If you gave them the option to keep driving for another three hours, I don't believe you would have had any of the students turn down your offer. Again, please thank everyone at BRAKES for a job well done and for bringing the program to Ocoee. "
-Brian K
"The BRAKES experience was fantastic! I thought the training was superb and that the entire experience was fantastic. I really enjoyed speaking with Doug and Matt - both great guys. The rain made for even better training for Connor! I told Doug that I really want to help promote other Orlando BRAKES events. I have a great deal of experience organizing large events and am certain that I can pack the classes. I also spoke to the ladies from Mannheim's and they were excited about future events too. I am not sure how many kids I was able to get to the classes in the short notice, but I know it was at least 5. Thanks again for the help and I look forward to working with you in the future!"
-Christopher R. Townsend
"Thank-YOU for an incredible experience. My daughter learned so much and she did talk all the way home about her experience. She was so excited and she really enjoyed each instructor. Again, thank-you so much. She is thinking about doing her senior project on BRAKES and with that comes a fundraiser that will go towards your organization so we will be in touch. Thank-you again."
-M. M. Strickland
"Just wanted to let you all know how much our family enjoyed the BRAKES class at El Toro Marine Base on Saturday 12/7 at 1pm. Both my husband and I attended with our son. He gained confidence and skill and felt it was a great experience. My husband and I commented that even at our age, we'd never had the opportunity to practice slides, panic braking, etc. was a great (although COLD!!) day :) Think it was the coldest day in Orange County in the 46 years I've lived here! It was a great experience for all of us. Please convey our heartfelt thanks to you and the entire BRAKES staff for an amazing experience. "
-Jennifer Aragonez-Harper
"I want to thank everyone at BRAKES for yesterday's Raleigh event. I believe the skills, knowledge, and confidence the kids gained we will make them better and safer drivers. Please pass along my sincere thanks to Matt, Doug and everyone who is involved with this valuable program."
-Tim
