CINCINNATI — Efforts to help teens tackle difficult driving scenarios ramped up Sunday, ahead of the start of National Teen Driver Safety Week.
National organization B.R.A.K.E.S stopped in to Cincinnati to train dozens of Tri-State teens about safe driving habits.
According to the Center for Disease Control, vehicle crashes are currently the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States, making this program all the more crucial as cold weather and snowy roads approach the Tri-State.
Teen drivers participated in the hands-on driving instruction classes before putting their skills to the test on specialized courses designed to help teens learn how to react in adverse conditions.
"I think it's actually very interesting," said Lily Mull, who participated in Sunday's class. "I recently spun out the other day, so I'm very happy to be here now."
The teens learned how to handle spin-outs, wet and icy road conditions, distractions and safely avoiding collisions, all in the safe and controlled environment of the course.
"I just got my license a week ago, so it's kind of great," said Ben Kruse, a teen who took the course. "The winter's coming and the snow, the cold temperatures, the ice. So it's kind of nice to be prepared for all of that."
The organization was founded by former drag racing champion Doug Herbert, after his two sons died in a vehicle crash in 208. Now Herbert travels the country working to teach teenagers how to drive more safely.
"Look ahead of you," Kruse recited lessons learned from the course. "Don't be distracted by your phone and everything. Make sure your hands are at the right part of the wheel and just be ready for everything."
So far, Herbert and B.R.A.K.E.S have worked with more than 40,000 teen drivers across the country.
