MANHEIM, Pa. -

As part of its commitment to support local community efforts, Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction this weekend will once again host Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe (B.R.A.K.E.S.), a safe driving course geared toward teens.

Auction management highlighted that two four-hour sessions featuring hands-on defensive driving education for nearly 160 teens throughout Lancaster County will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We’ve been proud to support this meaningful event for the past four years, and each year the turnout exceeds our expectations,” said Joey Hughes, vice president and general manager of Manheim Pennsylvania.

“As a leader in the auto industry, we want to do our part to contribute to practices that promote education, awareness and safe driving,” Hughes continued.

The intensive driving school is open to young drivers age 15 to 19 who possess a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license and have at least 30 hours of driving experience. Parents are also included in this program, which teaches enhanced levels of concentration and vehicle control under the tutelage of highly skilled professional instructors.

Training consists of a half-hour classroom lecture followed by five hands-on exercises, including accident avoidance, off-road recovery, distracted driving, panic stop and skid control.

“B.R.A.K.E.S. is dedicated to helping teens make safer decisions while on the road and preparing them for the hazardous conditions they will inevitably face,” said Doug Herbert, founder of B.R.A.K.E.S.

“Working with partners like Manheim, we look forward to bringing the training back to Lancaster County as well as to new cities in an effort to reduce teen driving accidents nationwide,” Herbert went on to say.

Manheim Pennsylvania AA management added that the program is free; however, since space is limited, a $99 refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot.

For more information about B.R.A.K.E.S. or to register a teen for the course, visit www.putonthebrakes.org

The event at Manheim Pennsylvania AA is the latest safety initiative orchestrated by the wholesale industry. Auto Remarketing highlighted the latest developments in a two-part series that included this feature story as well as this follow-up report.