RALEIGH, N.C. — Car crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to the CDC.

This weekend, dozens of teens from across the country put their skills to the test as part of a free defensive driving course in Raleigh at the State Highway Patrol Training Center.

“In some cases, its pretty overwhelming. The skids can be pretty crazy if its something they've never felt before," Jason Lare said, a B.R.A.K.E.S instructor.

But crazy is the mission of B.R.A.K.E.S.

“Skid pad, drop wheel, breaking exercises, crash avoidance exercises, they're doing distracted driving which is a big deal nowadays," Lare said.

The proactive driving school is a free defensive driving program, making stops around the country.

Lare is a former professional sports car driver, and has been teaching driving for 16 years.

A majority of B.R.A.K.E.S instructors are former professional racers, policemen and highway patrol officers.

“Being able to help someone and give that confidence to them and just know I've done something positive - positive for not just them but for the community. It's a big deal to me," Lare said.

B.R.A.K.E.S was founded by NHRA Drag Racer Doug Herbert.

Herbert lost two sons in a car crash nearly 15 years ago, and since, he has dedicated his life to preventing similar tragedies.