Here at Jim Butler, we fully understand the excitement that every parent feels when they are finally ready to hand the keys over to their teenage driver. Higher insurance premiums, the hours of discussion for them to be cautious you have had with them, and information they have learned in school have all been mulled over. If you have already selected the perfect KIA model for your teen, you may be feeling nervous, in that there's an extra bit of information you want covered before the ignition switch is punched on the maiden voyage. Vehicle crashes are the main cause of deaths for 15-17 year-olds worldwide, and so the issue of safety is one that we don't take lightly.
To provide teens with the knowledge and training for the ultimate in responsibility behind the wheel, Jim Butler teamed up with KIA and the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) Teen Pro-Active Driving School to bring a no-cost advanced driver training class to the St. Louis Metro. One of the reasons why we jumped at the chance is because completion of the program has resulted in a 64% reduction rate of collision for teen drivers during their first 3 crucial years behind the wheel.
If you or any of your acquaintances have a teen that will soon be behind the wheel, there is currently still enrollment open at https://putonthebrakes.org/shop. All you need to get started is a permit or valid driver's license, a parent or guardian to participate, and a minimum of 30 hours previous driving experience. When you arrive, what you will be taught involves advanced behind-the-wheel training with KIA provided vehicles, by seasoned, professional driving instructors. Skid control, distracted driving awareness, panic stopping, drop-wheel recovery, and car control are all covered in detail. Distracted driving is what we have been seeing an alarming increase in, and so we are excited that this very necessary topic is being covered with B.R.A.K.E.S.
The training takes place on August 12 and 13, right at Gateway Motorsports park. Your avid teenager will love to get behind the wheel of a Soul, Cadenza or Rio for learning about the prime years of their driving experience. Worrying about the safety of a teen is something that can take up many of your precious hours, and the safety features that are available in KIA cars now are top-notch. The Optima alone earned a 5-Star Crash Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and comes with comprehensive airbags. Featuring dual front, front-seat mounted side, and full-length side curtain airbags, there are also high-tech sensors that can detect the level of impact, and presence of a front passenger.
After your teen learns the ropes with the B.R.A.K.E.S. curriculum, features such as Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) help deliver more consistent braking, and distribution and weight loads constantly change. Teens will also be able to take advantage of the Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, which continuously monitors the inflation pressure in all four tires, and provides an urgent warning when the pressure drops below a specified range. Together, we can all play an important roll in saving lives, and preparing teens for the hazards they will face on the road. Sign up for this event while there is still time, and allow yourself the peace of mind that comes with expert training!
