YPSILANTI, Mich. – More than 100 local teens got behind the wheel this weekend — not just for fun, but to practice the kind of skills that could one day save their lives.
The nonprofit B.R.A.K.E.S. — which stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe — held its hands-on teen driver safety program over the weekend, running multiple small-group sessions so every student could get time behind the wheel.
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What is B.R.A.K.E.S.?
B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded by Doug Herbert to honor his sons, Jon and James, who died in a car crash. The program travels across the country, teaching teens hands-on skills like crash avoidance, hand-eye coordination and panic braking.
“Our founder Doug Herbert took the grief he was experiencing and made a pledge to say that he’s going to do what he can to save other kids’ lives and extend it out as far as he can,” said Brian Schiele, a B.R.A.K.E.S. instructor.
Teens, parents both get hands-on experience
Students weren’t the only ones learning. Parents also participated in the sessions, brushing up on their own driving skills.
“Some reminders, because we haven’t taken drivers tests for quite a while,” said David Martin, a parent.
For the teens, the courses were a chance to experience the kinds of scary, high-pressure situations that can happen on real roads.
“It’s definitely scary when you have to deal with the whole car shifting while you’re trying to drive,” said Karsten Martin, a teen participant.
Instructors worked closely with students throughout the day, giving each one personalized attention.
“They get a lot of good individual teaching and coaching,” Schiele said.
Confidence behind the wheel
By the end of the program, both teens and parents said they felt more prepared than when they arrived.
“Obviously you can never know what actually happens on the road, but yeah, I feel a bit more confident — like if something were to go wrong, I might be able to figure it out,” Karsten said.
How to sign up
B.R.A.K.E.S. returns to the area July 25-26. A $99 deposit holds a teen’s spot and is fully refundable after class — or participants can choose to donate it. To register, visit putonthebrakes.org.