TEEN drivers can take a $90 class that teaches life-saving techniques for free – but they have to earn the cashback.
Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe (BRAKES) offers classes nationwide to prepare untrained teens to take the roads.
Teens can get a $90 driving lesson for free[/caption]
The group came to Reno, Nevada, to offer free classes after a mom tragically lost her son to a car crash, NBC affiliate KRNV reported.
Her hope was that teens would take advantage of the free opportunity and learn lessons that could save their lives.
BRAKES classes are unique as instructors will create panic-type situations and teach the green drivers how to react best.
Using cones and an empty parking lot, teens can learn how to react when a semi-truck swerves too close to them or when their car starts hydroplaning on slippery roads.
Instructors also implement fun but educational exercises that demonstrate how dangerous texting while driving can be and how to panic stop as quickly as safely as possible.
Students who graduate from the program are 64% less likely to get in a crash in their first three years of driving, according to BRAKES statistics.
Matt Reilly, a senior instructor at BRAKES, said that students are more likely to learn from their teachers instead of arguing through driving situations with their parents.
“They have a professional instructor who’s trained in our process and the techniques that we’re teaching them,” Reilly told KRNV.
“These folks could be current or retired racecar drivers, professional drivers that do stunts in movies, or law enforcement.”
Participants must pay $90 to sign up for one of five classes hosted by BRAKES and attend their entire class to get cash back.
Students can also use their $90 as a donation to the education group.
BRAKES was founded by National Hot Rod Association drag racer Doug Herbert after he lost his two young sons to a car crash in 2008.
“His grief led to resolve, inspiring a mission to help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak,” the organization’s website reads.
BRAKES courses can be found in North Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
However, anyone in America can submit a request for the organization to come to their city.
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it’s 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup in visor mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
- Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console
Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
- If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
- If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
- Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
The U.S. Sun previously spoke with a driving instructor who feared that self-driving technology could negatively affect traffic safety.
She also said there’s a common “foot” mistake that new drivers always make.
Some drivers can also get a piece of a $400,000 settlement after a driving school took tuition payments but didn’t give out licenses.
Each student who is a part of the settlement is estimated to receive around $800.
