B.R.A.K.E.S. National Teen Defensive Driving Program Plans
Record Number of Weekend Training Sessions and
Visits to New Locations Throughout 2023
Expansion of Schedule Made Possible Thanks to
Addition of Third Fleet of Vehicles Provided by Kia America
Concord, N.C.– Benefiting from the addition of a third fleet of vehicles provided by Kia America, the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) national teen defensive driving program founded by multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert will host an unprecedented number of weekend training sessions throughout the U.S. in 2023.
Growth of the life-saving program—which has now surpassed 110,000 teens and parents trained since its inception in 2008—will be facilitated by the addition of a new fleet of 22 Kia models that will be utilized for visits to Midwest venues. This complements additional fleets of 22 new Kia vehicles that will be used in B.R.A.K.E.S. training in both the eastern and western regions of the U.S. Each fleet includes Kia’s Soul, Forte, Niro, Rio, Sorento, Sportage, Seltos, Telluride and Carnival.
“The support we have received from our friends at Kia America has been truly remarkable,” said Herbert. “They have been deeply aligned with our mission of saving lives and making U.S. roadways safer. On behalf of the entire B.R.A.K.E.S. organization, we thank them for their passion and dedication.”
“Kia America is dedicated to the safety of drivers and passengers nationwide no matter the make and model of their vehicle,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “The lessons and techniques included in the B.R.A.K.E.S. courses are invaluable and ones that every driver should keep in mind whenever they’re behind the wheel. Kia is proud to support B.R.A.K.E.S. and help them further their mission to make drivers more responsible and increase the safety of our roads.”
The 2023 B.R.A.K.E.S. schedule will include weekend visits to new locations, in Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska and Texas. The year will also feature returns to venues in North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Arizona and California. Updated schedule and registration information is accessible at www.putonthebrakes.org.
Established in 2008 following a tragic car crash that took the lives of Herbert’s sons Jon and James, the GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)(3) addresses one if the leading causes of death among teens – car crashes – helping to improve road safety and prevent other parents from facing the heartbreaking loss of a child.
Through their participation in the pro-active defensive driving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64 percent less likely to get in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
B.R.A.K.E.S. is NOT Driver’s Ed. It is a FREE, hands-on, advanced driver training program taught by professional instructors, including current and former members of law enforcement, professional racers and stunt drivers. B.R.A.K.E.S. maintains a low two -to-one student-to-instructor ratio to maximize educational effectiveness.
Each weekend B.R.A.K.E.S. school includes identical sessions to allow parents and teens to pick one that will fit into their busy schedules. Each session features three hours of training, starting with a classroom presentation followed by extensive training behind the wheel of brand-new vehicles from the Kia lineup.
Courses include distracted driving awareness, panic braking, drop-wheel/off-road recovery, crash avoidance and car control/skid recovery – all of the biggest causes of crashes for new drivers. Other educational elements often include ‘Big Rig’ safety and appearances by local highway safety officials, offering instruction and guidance during a traffic stop.
About B.R.A.K.E.S.
Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) is a GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded in 2008 after Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. Today, more than 110,000 teens and parents from 50 different states and five countries have participated in the B.R.A.K.E.S. intensive training course.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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5 star I don't know that I could say enough good things about this program. The organization and Instructors are phenomenal. The information is beneficial for not only teens, but the adults as well. My daughter LOVED this whole experience, is going to write about it in her school newspaper, and c... Click to Read More!
-Holly R, Detroit MI
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.... Click to Read More!
-Tim
