NC Highway Patrol Backs Doug Herbert's B.R.A.K.E.S.

Doug Herbert speaking at a school

State Highway Patrol Announces its Partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S.

Program Aimed at Reducing Teen Driving Deaths
First Raleigh Area Classes Nov. 23 & 24

(RALEIGH, NC – Oct 15, 2013) - Each year more than 5,000 teenagers lose their lives and 400,000 are injured across the United States in traffic collisions. In 2012, the State Highway Patrol investigated 9,503 injury collisions and 111 fatal collisions where the driver’s ages were between 15 and 19. Sadly, 33 teenage drivers lost their lives on North Carolina highways. Despite a 34% decrease when compared to the previous year, teen injuries and deaths continue to plague our society.

In effort to combat teenage injuries and deaths, the State Highway Patrol is proud to announce its partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. which stands for (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe). Founded in 2008, B.R.A.K.E.S. was created when NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, due to a tragic highway accident in Mecklenburg County. His grief led to the creation of a driving program with the hopes of preventing other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The course is designed to teach young drivers to be more conscientious and confident when behind the wheel.

B.R.A.K.E.S., a non-profit organization, provides advanced driver’s education. The newly created partnership will hopefully prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating young drivers and their parents by stressing the importance of safe and responsible driving.

To kick off this partnership, B.R.A.K.E.S., with the support of the State Highway Patrol, will be offering four 4-hour blocks of driving instruction at the Highway Patrol Driving Facility located at 380 East Tryon Road, Raleigh on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th. Classes will be held from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm on both days.

For more information on the B.R.A.K.E.S. program or to register for the upcoming class, please go to www.putonthebrakes.org.

To view a video illustrating how Doug Herbert’s tragic loss led to the creation of B.R.A.K.E.S., simply go to the following link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/6yL28xBLXIU?autoplay=1&hd=1.

For specific information or requests for interviews on the partnership involving the State Highway Patrol, please contact First Sergeant Jeff Gordon, Public Information Officer at (919)733-5027 or email at Jeff.Gordon@ncdps.gov.

John Davison

Long-time RIS staffer, beginning in the mid-80s. Charlotte, NC area local contact.

Read More on General News & Notes
Volume 2013, Issue 10, Posted 2:03 PM, 10.15.2013