(December 21, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America (KMA) recently partnered with B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) Teen Pro Active Driving Course to provide more than 150 teenagers ranging in ages 15 1/2 to 19 with advanced training to respond to real-world driving scenarios. 

B.R.A.K.E.S., with KMA’s support — which included a fleet of 2013 Kia Rios — provided the instruction at no cost in an effort to prevent injuries and save lives by educating teens and their parents about the importance of responsible driving habits.

“Kia’s partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. is a reflection of the company’s commitment to give back to the communities in which we do business,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “Reinforcing the importance of responsible driving in the first few months of licensure is essential to reducing the number of teen motor vehicle crashes and making the roads safer for everyone.”

B.R.A.K.E.S., a 501 c3 charity based in Charlotte, N.C., has provided safe driving instruction courses for more than 8,000 students in the U.S. and Canada. 

The school offers nearly four hours of hands-on training and a very low student-instructor ratio to ensure personal attention.  The curriculum includes an array of defensive driving techniques and raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.  Parents participate in the courses alongside their teens to ensure safe driving techniques are reinforced following the session.

“More than 5,000 teenagers lose their lives each year across the country in traffic accidents,” said Doug Herbert, B.R.A.K.E.S. founder.  “The support of companies such as Kia is invaluable to reducing the number of injuries and saving lives through advanced training.”