Teens from across NC take part in safe driving program

The organization B.R.A.K.E.S., be responsible and keep everyone safe, offers a free course to teach young drivers more conscientious and confident skills behind the wheel.

Drag racing star Doug Herbert started the organization after his two sons were killed in a car crash in 2008.

"When I lost Jon and James, I decided, you know, I've got to do something here to make a difference," Herbert said.

But, Herbert says the course is not just for teens, parents can also take part in the program.

Amy Brown-Douglas said the course gave her a few heart attacks.

"[The experience] was beyond eye opening," she said. "I felt like my chest was opening as well."

Nikki Gayle, 19, described the experience as scary.

"I guess I learned some things that I thought seemed like common sense when I heard them, but I never would have thought of them on my own," she said.

The B.R.A.K.E.S. program holds three sessions in Raleigh each year.

About 11,000 teenagers and their parents have attended the B.R.A.K.E.S. program across the country.