B.R.A.K.E.S continues stand against unsafe driving in Jefferson City

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

On Saturday, the teen driving school B.R.A.K.E.S. traveled to Jefferson City to host training sessions for teenagers in Cole County.

B.R.A.K.E.S, which stands for be responsible and keep everyone safe is a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives. The company works to train and educate teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than any other age group.

The rate of fatal crashes per mile driven among teen drivers in this age group is also almost three times as high as that of drivers ages 20 and older, according to the CDC.

Founder Doug Herbert started B.R.A.K.E.S. in 2008 after losing two sons in a major car accident. He began by training 50 students from his son's high school on driving safety. Since then, B.R.A.K.E.S. has trained over 160,000 parents and teens combined.

Staffing Manager of B.R.A.K.E.S. Brandon Short said the biggest takeaway for young drivers from the course should be to always stay alert.

"The biggest takeaway from this course should be that driving is a full-time job. You always have to pay attention. Your hands and your eyes are everything," Short said. "Wherever I look, my hands will follow. Make sure you put away that cell phone and don't drive distracted."

B.R.A.K.E.S driving program includes 3 courses panic breaking, crash avoidance, and car control recovering.

Another training is scheduled for Sunday, June 30 at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.

If you want to learn more about brakes you can go to putonthebrakes.org