Former drag racer who lost sons in traffic crash to bring safe driving program to Lincoln

Jul 25, 2023

Aug. 2, 2023, 10 a.m. ·

15 years ago, former drag racing champion, Doug Herbert, lost his two sons in a traffic crash.

But out of the tragedy came something special for Herbert, a program called B.R.A.K.E.S.

B.R.A.K.E.S. is a defensive driving course that stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe.

The goal - to reduce the number of people who have to experience what Herbert did.

“I just want to make sure that no other parent gets the call I got that their teenagers are not coming home," Herbert told Nebraska Public Media News.

The program, which is coming to the Lincoln Airport on August 12 and 13, focuses on teaching teen drivers and their parents the best ways to avoid serious car crashes.

"NASCAR Champion, Jeff Gordon, brought his daughter to the class and he said, 'Doug, I can’t believe it. I learned a few things.' So even a 4-time NASCAR champion like Jeff Gordon can learn something at the class. It’s really really neat,” Herbert said .

Parents of enrolled teens are also required to take the course.

According to the B.R.A.K.E.S. website, the course includes "distracted driving awareness, panic braking, crash avoidance, car control/skid recovery, drop-wheel/off-road recovery, proper seat and mirror placement, proper use of seatbelts, eye scanning, big rig safety, what to do during a traffic stop and more."

Those interested can register here.

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