Kia Partners with B.R.A.K.E.S. to Provide More Midwest Teens with Free Defensive Driving Classes
Teen drivers from a B.R.A.K.E.S. session actively using Kia-sponsored cars
Kia, the brand that gets rave safety reviews and superior ratings, is expanding upon its commitment to safety with its latest teen driver safety initiative. It has teamed up with the nonprofit B.R.A.K.E.S. to help sponsor more free driving school sessions for young drivers in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota. Why this region in particular? Both entities have done their research—apparently this area houses about two million potential new drivers ranging from 16-20 years old.
Doug Herbert, NHRA Mello Yello Series Top Fuel drag racer who lost both sons in a car crash back in 2008, founded B.R.A.K.E.S. back in 2008. He and his organization have successfully equipped 25,000 teens nationwide with safe driving skills. Teen safety should be a countrywide priority, says Herbert, “Teen crashes are a nationwide epidemic and with the help of Kia Motors, our mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by empowering young drivers and their parents with critical lessons and hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment.”
A B.R.A.K.E.S. volunteer imparting his defensive driver knowledge to teen drivers
Kia currently provides more than 40 of its vehicles for the B.R.A.K.E.S. program to use in training sessions. Scott Fitzgerald, director of central region operations at Kia Motors America, confirms Kia’s support of this worthy organization: “Kia places a priority on vehicle safety, and our partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. reflects that commitment, which begins with practical, hands-on driving experience.”
Teens who participate in B.R.A.K.E.S. training cover five main categories of driver defense: crash avoidance, distracted driving, drop wheel/off road recovery, panic stop, and car control/recovery. Each session usually offers some additional training on topics like safe zones and blind spots.
Both Kia and B.R.A.K.E.S. are confident that the expanded options for free driver safety sessions will gradually increase teen driver protection, therefore minimizing accidents and eradicating teen driver related fatalities. We look forward to this exciting new alliance between Kia and B.R.A.K.E.S. that promises to equip teen drivers in the Midwest and beyond.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.