The Cornelius Police Department strives daily to keep our roads safe. It’s important for our residents to be alert and safe drivers. CPD works closely with the B.R.A.K.E.S. Foundation and would like to take a moment to share their mission with our residents.
On January 26, 2008, Cornelius Police responded to an accident which claimed the lives of two brothers, Jon and James Herbert. Their father, NHRA star Doug Herbert, started a non-profit organization called B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) and their mission is to prevent another tragedy like the one his family experienced. The Cornelius Police Department was privileged to support this program from the start and we quickly found it was not just another teen program born out of tragedy, but rather an effective driving school aimed directly at the cause of teen deaths on the roadway.
“I would strongly encourage every parent who has a teenager from 15 to 18 to send them to the BRAKES driving school. They will teach your young drivers more in a day than most of us learn in a lifetime of driving. Both of my kids went through Doug’s program, and both came away with a strong sense of awareness about what they could get into on the road. They not only learned how to avoid dangerous problems, but how to drive their way out of them. Doug is such a motivator and the kids just idolize him. His star status alone keeps their attention like no parent can, but his humbleness and absolute focus on those kids will impress you as a parent as well. Please, visit B.R.A.K.E.S. and potentially save your child’s life. It’s no guarantee, but do what you can while you can.”
- Chief Bence Hoyle, Cornelius PD
Through the effective use of the most common vehicles driven by teens, road cones, water trucks to simulate rain, and expert professional racing-experienced instructors that most parents could not afford to hire, this program is like no other. This FREE (Donations appreciated) program is a great opportunity for teens in our community to learn how to be a responsible driver and we hope you take advantage of this program. Visit www.putonthebrakes.org for more information and sign up today!