When your mission statement is a simple one which targets the goal of teaching teenagers life-saving driving skills, the busier you are, the better you feel. Such is the case with B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) and its acclaimed Teen Pro-Active Driving School, which after having traveled to the Manheim Auto Auction in Manheim, Pennsylvania on April 28th and 29th, will now be heading for the Franklin County High School in Franklin, Kentucky on May 5th and 6th. Founded by NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel veteran Doug Herbert as a tribute to his two sons, Jon and James, who were killed in highway accident in 2008, B.R.A.K.E.S. crosses the country teaching teens and their parents the importance of safe and responsible driving. The Teen Pro-Active Driving Course includes several exercises and techniques which sharpen the awareness and control skills of young drivers. “This was a great weekend in Manheim for B.R.A.K.E.S.,” says Herbert, following the two-day event in the Keystone State. “The reception we got from parents and students alike was terrific on our very first visit here. We’re very grateful to Dr. Clayton Stitzel, David Husser and Nick Young who were instrumental in making this weekend possible. We’ve already scheduled another Teen Pro-Active Driving School here in Manheim in November so I guess our message is hitting home.” B.R.A.K.E.S. offers their invaluable driving schools to young motorists without charge, and the Manheim event was enthusiastically supported by such sponsors as Liberty Mutual Insurance, Shred It, Doe Run Dental, Worley and Obetz, Hondru Auto, the Lancaster County Corvette Club, the Manheim Auto Auction, Manheim Lions Club, along with the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center, Slugger's Pizza, and local fire and ambulance crews. B.R.A.K.E.S’ upcoming appearance in Frankfort, Kentucky is a result of the efforts of Ed and Wanda Leslie, who lost their son, Ben, in an automobile accident in April of 2011. Two of Ben’s friends were also killed in the high-speed crash. The Leslies’ commitment to the B.R.A.K.E.S. philosophy of making teenagers more conscientious and alert behind the wheel has led to them attracting local sponsorship for the Teen Pro-Active Driving School in Frankfort together with donations from the Leslie family. “Having the B.R.A.K.E.S, program at Franklin County High School is something special,” says Wanda. “That’s where Ben and his friends went to school. That's all it took to decide to do this for the kids because if we can save one kid, it's all worth it.” Several spots are still available for the Teen Pro-Active Driving School on Saturday, May 5th. For more information on enrollment, the B.R.A.K.E.S. program, or to make a donation, please log on to www.putonthebrakes.com From: Bill Stephens
