Our Story

B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are approximately 64% less likely to have a car crash in their first three years of driving.‍
‍— Paul C. Friday, PhD, UNC Charlotte

Our Mission

Empowering Communities for Change

Put On The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe, responsible driving.

The B.R.A.K.E.S. Story

Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

In January 2008, NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Herbert made a life-changing decision: to create a driving program that would help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Originally, his goal was simple, to train his sons’ friends and provide them with advanced behind-the-wheel skills that would strengthen their confidence and decision-making. In 2008, during the first year of B.R.A.K.E.S., 50 teens were trained.

Word spread quickly. Hundreds of parents began reaching out, asking for the same life-saving training for their own teens. What began as a small effort soon became a national mission.

With the help of Jon and James’ friends, Herbert formally established B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), a nonprofit organization offering free advanced driver training through its Teen Pro-Active Driving Curriculum.Each year, thousands of teenagers lose their lives in traffic collisions across the United States. B.R.A.K.E.S. exists to change that statistic, one student at a time.

About The Program

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 Enough?

Traditional driver’s education provides an important foundation. However, the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving Curriculum goes further by addressing real-world scenarios responsible for many teen-related crashes — situations most young drivers have never experienced in a controlled environment.

What Does the Curriculum Include?

The Teen Pro-Active Driving Curriculum features hands-on exercises designed to build skill, awareness, and confidence, including:

Collision Avoidance Training using slalom exercises to develop advanced steering control
Distraction Exercises to reinforce focus and concentration behind the wheel
‍Wheel Drop-Off Recovery to teach proper vehicle control when leaving the roadway shoulder
Panic Stop Exercises to build controlled emergency braking responses
Car Control and Recovery Training for maintaining or regaining control in wet or icy conditions

How Many Students Have Attended?

To date, more than 165,000 teenagers and their parents have participated in the B.R.A.K.E.S. program. Students have traveled from 50 states and at least five countries to attend training events.

Where Are Trainings Held?

B.R.A.K.E.S. schools are conducted at locations across the country.Visit our upcoming registration schedule page for current dates and locations.

Can B.R.A.K.E.S. Come to My Community?

B.R.A.K.E.S. continues to expand into new regions. Hosting a training weekend requires local support to help cover associated costs. On average, the cost is approximately $500-$1000 per student, and one weekend of instruction can train 180 students. Please contact B.R.A.K.E.S. headquarters for more information about bringing the program to your community.

Who Are The Instructors?

B.R.A.K.E.S. instructors come from diverse and highly qualified backgrounds in advanced driver training and defensive driving instruction. Many are accomplished race drivers and professional driving instructors. Others have provided training for major automobile manufacturers, the United States Secret Service, and private security organizations.

What Does It Cost to Attend?

The B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving Curriculum is offered free of charge. A $99 refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot.As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), B.R.A.K.E.S. relies on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events to provide this life-saving training to teenagers nationwide.

Our Impact

Together We Make a Difference in Our Community

Put On The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a non-profit 501(c)3 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.

Make an Impact

165,000+

teens & parents trained

45+

courses offered nationwide annually

64%

Less likely to have an accident in their first three years of driving

Make an Impact

Testimonials

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Parents and students consistently share how BRAKES training changed the way they approach driving, and safety.

"I attended the Brakes school with my 16-year-old daughter last Sunday in Fontana. It was extremely well organized and well managed with an evident commitment to safety one would expect. Exposing the kids to situations they may encounter is so valuable. I am very thankful for the work your organization is doing. I think you are achieving your objective which is to really make a difference!"

Tom J

"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

"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 cannot wait to come back and watch her younger siblings take this course when it is their time. Thank you so much for doing this. It is a beautiful and meaningful tribute to your sons."

Holly R

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