In an effort to combat the alarming statistics surrounding teen driver safety, Jefferson City hosted a comprehensive accident prevention training for teenage drivers.
This initiative, led by the nonprofit organization Put on the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe), aimed to equip teens with essential skills to navigate the roads safely.
Event Overview
- Organizer: Put on the B.R.A.K.E.S., a national nonprofit dedicated to proactive driver education.
- Dates: April 5-6, 2025
- Location: Missouri EVOC Training Center, Jefferson City
- Target Audience: Teenagers aged 16-19 with a learner’s permit or driver’s license
Training Curriculum
The program offered hands-on experience in critical driving maneuvers, including:
- Panic Braking: Teaching teens to react swiftly and safely in emergency situations.
- Crash Avoidance: Strategies to prevent collisions through proactive driving techniques.
- Skid Recovery: Guidance on regaining control of a vehicle after losing traction.
Missouri’s Teen Driver Safety Statistics
Missouri faces significant challenges concerning teen driver safety. Recent data highlights include:
- Fatalities: In 2023, 133 individuals lost their lives in crashes involving teen drivers.
- Speeding: 47% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding or driving too fast for conditions.
- Seat Belt Usage: 77% of teen vehicle occupant fatalities were unbelted in 2023.
The B.R.A.K.E.S. Initiative
Established in 2008 by Doug Herbert, a former professional drag racer who tragically lost his sons in a car accident, B.R.A.K.E.S. aims to reduce teen driving accidents through education.
The organization conducts nearly 50 training events annually across the U.S., with approximately five held in Missouri each year.
Participant Feedback
Brendon Short, a staffing manager and instructor for B.R.A.K.E.S., emphasized the program’s impact:
“One of the most overlooked issues with teens today is distracted driving. And what’s the biggest distraction we have? It’s usually our cell phones.”
Upcoming B.R.A.K.E.S. Training Events in Missouri
| Date | Location | Registration Opens |
|---|---|---|
| April 12-13, 2025 | Kansas Speedway, Kansas City | April 9, 2025 |
| May 3-4, 2025 | Manheim St. Louis, Bridgeton | April 9, 2025 |
| June 28-29, 2025 | Manheim Kansas City, Kansas City | May 22, 2025 |
The proactive steps taken by Put on the B.R.A.K.E.S. in Jefferson City represent a crucial effort to address Missouri’s teen driver safety challenges.
By providing teens with practical skills and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the program strives to foster a generation of safer, more responsible drivers.