Bristol, TN, September 29, 2025
News Summary
An initiative called the BRAKES Experience is making significant progress in Bristol, TN, focusing on enhancing road safety among teenagers. This program provides advanced driver training aimed at reducing teen car crashes, a leading cause of unintentional deaths in this age group. The training includes practical experiences and instruction from professional drivers, equipping young drivers with critical survival skills. Additionally, Harry S. Truman High School has incorporated a driver education course that complements the BRAKES initiative, utilizing driving simulators to improve students’ driving skills in various scenarios.
Bristol, TN – An initiative aimed at enhancing road safety among teenagers is making strides in Bristol, TN, with the implementation of the BRAKES Experience, a national program that provides advanced driver training for teens. The primary goal of the BRAKES Experience is to reduce teen car crashes, which are the leading cause of unintentional deaths among teenagers in the U.S. The program’s name is an acronym for “Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe.”
The BRAKES Experience equips young drivers with essential tools to avoid becoming statistics in car crashes. This advanced driver training includes practical experiences such as sudden stops, skids, and emergency lane changes, effectively preparing teens for real-world driving conditions. The program features instruction from professional drivers who emphasize learning vital survival skills rather than focusing on speed.
A significant aspect of the training is dedicated to distraction drills and collision-avoidance maneuvers. The BRAKES initiative travels across the country and has proven effective in making roads safer by training one teen at a time. It operates as a free program, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
To further combat the issue of teen car crashes, Harry S. Truman High School has incorporated a driver education course within its curriculum. The course was introduced in the 2020-2021 school year, even amidst challenges posed by the pandemic. It features three simulators, each equipped with screens, steering wheels, pedals, and gear shifts, allowing students to practice various driving scenarios in a controlled environment.
Students have reported positive experiences with the driving simulators, stating that they provide realistic driving experiences and help them prepare for dangerous situations without the associated risks. The simulators also aid in familiarizing students with night driving, inclement weather conditions, and impaired driving scenarios. They also assist in practicing parallel parking and navigating city and highway driving.
Crucially, in-school simulator time can count towards the state-required 65 hours of supervised driving, making it a valuable addition to the students’ driving education. The program has received certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and has been officially added to the school’s curriculum guide. Offered as a half-year elective, the course is available to students in grades 9 to 12.
Approximately 150 students participated in the driver education course this year, benefiting from informative guest speakers from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Upon completing the course, students receive a certification of completion from the state, which may qualify them for discounts with some car insurance companies. Moreover, the instructor highlighted the wider community benefits that arise from educating young drivers on road safety.
Key Features of the BRAKES Experience and Driver Education Course
| Feature | BRAKES Experience | Driver Education Course at Truman High School |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Teen Drivers | Students in Grades 9-12 |
| Focus | Road Safety and Crash Prevention | Driving Skills and Scenarios |
| Training Methods | In-person Instruction and Driving Experiences | Driving Simulators |
| Cost | Free | Part of Curriculum |
| Certification | N/A | State Certification upon Completion |
| Yearly Participation | N/A | Approximately 150 Students |
Conclusion
The BRAKES Experience and the driver’s education course at Harry S. Truman High School represent significant efforts aimed at improving the safety of teenage drivers, ultimately leading to safer roads for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the BRAKES Experience?
The BRAKES Experience aims to reduce teen car crashes, the leading cause of unintentional deaths among teenagers in the U.S.
What does BRAKES stand for?
BRAKES stands for “Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe.”
What practical experiences are included in the BRAKES driving course?
The driving course includes practical experiences such as sudden stops, skids, and emergency lane changes.
Who provides instruction for the BRAKES program?
Teens receive instruction from professional drivers.
Is the BRAKES program free?
BRAKES is a free program that travels across the country.
What is the focus of the driver’s education course at Truman High School?
The course includes guest speakers from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
How many students participated in the driver education course this year?
Approximately 150 students participated in the driver education course this year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Defensive Driving
- Levittown Now
- Google Search: Teenage Driver Education
- WOKQ News
- Google Scholar: Teen Drivers Road Safety Programs
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety for Teenagers
- WCYB News
- Google News: Teen Defensive Driving Courses
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
