Wireless Wednesday Live: National Teen Driver Safety Week

Rick is joined by JAMES BELL, Head of Corporate Communications, Kia America

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. Each year in October, National Teen Driver Safety Week serves as an opportunity for parents and guardians to have a conversation with teens about safe driving habits.

In 2008, NHRA drag racing star driver Doug Herbert lost his two sons, Jon and James, in a car crash. Following this tragedy, Herbert turned his heartbreak into action and created B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), a 501(c)3 organization which provides free advanced driver’s education in a program entitled the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving Curriculum, with a fleet of vehicles provided by Kia. What began as a local safe driving class for his boys’ friends has grown to become a sought-after, free safety class for teenagers in towns across the U.S. Today, teens who take B.R.A.K.E.S. are 64% less likely to be in a crash within their first three years of driving.

James Bell is here to discuss the B.R.A.K.E.S. program and its collaboration with Kia. He’ll also share the latest statistics on teenage driving crashes and how parents at home can act now to help ensure their teen’s safety behind the wheel.

Topics:

What are the latest statistics on teens and motor vehicle crashes in the United States?

What are the main causes of these crashes?

Tell us about the B.R.A.K.E.S. safe driving program; when and why was it created?

How did Kia first become involved in the program?

Kia has worked with B.R.A.K.E.S. for 12 years, providing a fleet of vehicles to the program. Why has this been such an important program for Kia to support

Where are classes available? If they’re not in our area, how can our teens take part?

Where can our listeners go for more information?

For more information please visit: https://putonthebrakes.org/