Teen driving safety program draws more than 180 students to Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A national teen driving program kicked off its teaching season in the Show-Me State.
Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe, held a total of five three-hour sessions over the weekend at the Missouri EVOC Training Center, with more than 180 students participating.
Rick Valentine, a Senior Instructor with B.R.A.K.E.S., said the program is designed to help teen drivers build confidence behind the wheel while also learning the importance of following traffic laws.
Valentine said nearly 50% of teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating high school, but students who complete the course are 64% less likely to be involved in a crash.
According to a 2021 Governor Highway Safety Association, from 2015 to 2019, speeding was responsible for nearly one-third of all deadly motor vehicle crashes. Teens ages 16 to 19 were involved in more fatal speeding crashes than any other age group, 43% of deadly crashes involving teen drivers were linked to speeding, compared to 30% for other drivers.
Based of the report, Missouri ranked among the top states for teen traffic fatalities, coming in seventh with 374 teen driver and passenger deaths. The state also ranked fourth in the nation for speed-related teen deaths, with 227 reported fatalities.
Experts said teen drivers are more likely to crash because their brains are still developing, especially the parts responsible for judgment and decision-making. While teens can learn basic driving skills quickly, it takes more time and practice to recognize dangers on the road and react safely. Studies also show teen drivers are more likely to speed and take risks, especially when other teens are in the car.
A study from the report showed teens who completed driver’s education had fewer crashes, injuries and traffic violations during their first two years behind the wheel.
The B.R.A.K.E.S. program featured several driving courses designed to simulate real-life situations, including a slalom and crash avoidance course, a panic braking ABS stop, a drop-wheel distraction course and car control recovery exercises for skidding situations.
Kailey Leesman, a Jefferson City parent, brought her soon-to-be 16-year-old son to the program to help him become more confident behind the wheel.
"I think there's a lack of confidence in driving," Leesman said. "Any experience that you can give [your child], behind the wheel, someone teaching them that's not you is always a good thing."
While students practiced on the course, parents also took part in a training session. Leesman said many driving techniques have changed since she first learned to drive.
"The ten and two is ingrained in our brain, and now it's nine and three," Leesman said. "Where to place the mirrors for blind spots has changed."
Matthew Vore traveled from Fulton to bring his 15-year-old daughter to Sunday’s session. Vore said he previously brought one of his other children to the program and found it beneficial.
"The more hours they get the better," Vore said. "I think this is good because they get to learn from people that aren't mom and dad and maybe they'll listen to them a little different."
According to B.R.A.K.E.S., the organization visits the Capital City once a year. Its next stop on the training schedule is Ypsilanti, Michigan.
