Yes. A single decision behind the wheel can affect not only the driver but also passengers, families, and others on the road.

Yes. Schools may provide opt-out options for students as needed.

Recovery can take months or years. Many crash survivors require physical therapy, additional surgeries, and ongoing medical care.

Yes. Content is adjusted based on age group and delivered in coordination with school staff.

The crash involved a series of decisions and circumstances that led to a devastating collision. Brennen survived but sustained life-altering injuries that required multiple surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation.

Distracted driving, especially using a phone while driving, is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road.

Every decision behind the wheel matters. One moment of distraction or poor judgment can change lives forever.

Driving is a privilege not a right, that requires responsibility, attention, and respect for the safety of others.

Seeing the vehicle helps people understand that crashes are real events with real consequences, not just statistics.

Speed dramatically increases the force of impact during a crash and reduces the amount of time drivers have to react.

Yes. Presentations can be adjusted based on age group, audience size, and event structure.

No. The vehicle is a static display only and is secured at all times.

The foundation primarily serves regional schools and communities but may travel further depending on scheduling and sponsorship support.

Most presentations last approximately 45–60 minutes, with optional discussion and Q&A.

Yes. When possible, the crash vehicle is displayed as a static educational exhibit to visually demonstrate the impact of serious crashes.

No. The program does not use graphic imagery or disturbing videos. The focus is education, awareness, and responsible decision-making.

No. The program does not include graphic images, videos, or descriptions.

No, schools and organizations often host the program through community sponsorships, donations, or partnerships at no cost to the school or group.

The program is an educational presentation designed to help young drivers understand the real-world consequences of decisions behind the wheel. It combines personal experience, law enforcement perspective, and the physical evidence of a serious crash.

The presentation is designed primarily for middle school and high school students but can also be adapted for community groups, driver education classes, youth organizations, and public safety events.

Many young drivers believe serious crashes only happen to other people. One of the lessons Brennen often shares is that crashes can happen quickly and unexpectedly when small decisions add up.

Brennen says he never thought something like this could happen to him.

Serious crashes affect more than just the driver. Families often become deeply involved in the recovery process, providing emotional support and helping navigate medical care and rehabilitation.

Brennen says he wishes he had listened more when his family told him to slow down, pay attention, and get home safely.

Recovery timelines vary greatly depending on the injuries involved. Some people recover relatively quickly, while others may require months or years of rehabilitation and medical care.

Brennen is still attending physical therapy and medical appointments, and he will require additional follow-up surgeries in the future as part of his recovery.

Your decisions affect more than just you

Every driver shares the road with other people. The choices you make behind the wheel can impact passengers, families, and complete strangers.

Brennen says he realizes now that his decision could have hurt someone else, not just himself.

Distracted driving is more dangerous than people realize

Looking at a phone for even a few seconds can take your attention away from the road long enough for a crash to happen.

Brennen says staying off your phone while driving is one of the simplest ways to prevent unnecessary tragedy.

Speed reduces your ability to react

Driving faster than conditions allow reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact during a crash.

Brennen says speed is the exact reason we are here today. He decided to drive faster than he should have, and that choice changed everything.

Seatbelts save lives

Wearing a seatbelt dramatically increases the chance of surviving a crash and reduces the severity of injuries.

Brennen says he is alive today because he was wearing his seatbelt. Without it, he likely would not have survived.

It only takes one moment

Many crashes happen because of a single moment of distraction or one decision made too quickly.

Brennen says his dad often told him that every action has a reaction, and this crash was the result of a decision that had serious consequences.

Your life has value

Every driver has people who care about them — family, friends, and a future ahead of them.

Brennen says he is grateful for everyone who came to help him that night, and he knows he would not be here without them.

If something feels unsafe, speak up

Passengers can help prevent dangerous situations by encouraging safe driving and avoiding distractions.

Brennen says if you are a passenger and something feels unsafe, say something. Ask the driver to slow down, pull over, or let you out if necessary.

One good decision can prevent a lifetime of consequences

The safest drivers are the ones who think ahead, stay focused, and understand the responsibility that comes with driving.

Brennen’s message is simple: Slow down. Pay attention. Take your time. No destination is worth your life or someone else’s.

Many people who experience serious crashes remember only parts of the event or the moments leading up to it. Recovery often includes trying to understand what happened while focusing on healing and moving forward.

Brennen has no memory of the crash or the hours leading up to it.

Many crash survivors say they wish they had fully understood how quickly decisions behind the wheel can affect not only themselves, but also their families and others on the road.

Brennen says he wishes he had understood what life would be like after surviving a crash like this. The long recovery, the physical challenges, and the emotional impact have changed his life and affected the people around him.

Recovery after a serious crash is often long and challenging. It can involve surgeries, physical therapy, medical appointments, and ongoing support from family, friends, and healthcare providers.

For Brennen, the hardest part has been not being able to return to normal life yet. He says the waiting, the uncertainty, and the psychological strain of recovery have been some of the most difficult parts of the process.

Driving requires constant attention and responsible decision-making. Simple habits such as putting your phone away, slowing down, and wearing a seatbelt can make a significant difference.

Brennen says driving fast to get somewhere quicker might save a few seconds, but it can also cost you your life or someone else’s.

The goal of sharing this experience is to help others understand the real consequences of decisions behind the wheel and encourage safer choices.

Brennen says he hopes no one else must go through what he has experienced or worse.

CDC Teen Driver Safety
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/index.html

NHTSA Teen Driving Resources
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving

AAA Teen Driver Safety
https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/teen-driving/

Safe driving habits develop through repetition and accountability. Parents can help by:

• Modeling safe driving behavior themselves
• Continuing conversations about responsibility
• Setting clear expectations
• Encouraging their children to speak up when unsafe situations arise

Some families choose to use technology to reinforce safe driving habits. Options may include:

• Driving behavior apps
• Vehicle monitoring systems
• Phone safety features that disable texting while driving

These tools can help reinforce accountability and safe driving behavior.

Yes. Many families create a teen driver agreement that outlines expectations such as:

• No phone use while driving
• Seatbelts required for all passengers
• Limits on nighttime driving
• Passenger limits during the first months of driving
• Expectations for reporting accidents or traffic stops

Clear expectations help reduce risky behavior.

Yes. Phone use is one of the most common distractions among young drivers.

Parents should reinforce habits such as:

• Using “Do Not Disturb While Driving” settings
• Placing phones out of reach while driving
• Avoiding texting or social media use behind the wheel

Yes. Many phones allow emergency information to be stored on the lock screen. This may include:

• Emergency contacts
• Medical conditions
• Allergies
• Blood type
• Medications

This information can help first responders in an emergency.

Parents should talk openly about the responsibility that comes with driving. Important topics include:

• Distracted driving and phone use
• Speed and decision-making
• Passenger distractions
• Impaired driving
• Following traffic laws and seatbelt use

Young drivers should understand that driving is not just a skill, it is a responsibility that affects everyone on the road.

Young drivers should keep the following items in their vehicle:

• Emergency contact numbers
• Insurance card
• Vehicle registration
• A phone charger
• A small roadside emergency kit

It can also be helpful for drivers to keep a written contact list in case their phone is not accessible.

Once a child turns 18 years old, they are legally considered an adult. This means parents may no longer automatically have access to:

• Medical information
• Medical decision-making authority
• Hospital updates

Some families choose to explore planning tools such as medical power of attorney or healthcare authorization documents so they can assist if their young adult is seriously injured.

Families should consult a qualified attorney for legal advice about these options.

Parents should speak with their insurance provider about:

• Liability coverage limits
• Uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage
• Medical payment coverage
• Deductibles for collision coverage

Teen drivers can significantly impact insurance coverage, so reviewing policy details is important.

Young drivers should be taught to:

1. Stay calm
2. Check for injuries
3. Call 911 if anyone may be injured
4. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe
5. Exchange information with other drivers
6. Contact a parent or trusted adult

Parents should make sure their child understands these steps before a crash ever happens.

Experiencing a crash can be emotionally difficult for young drivers.

Parents should encourage open conversation and support. In some cases, counseling or mental health support may be helpful after traumatic events.

Speed increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries.

According to NHTSA, speeding contributed to nearly 29% of all traffic fatalities.

More information:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding

• Focus on the road: Put phones away and eliminate distractions before driving.
• Follow speed limits: Speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
• Wear your seatbelt: Seatbelts remain the most effective safety device in vehicles.
• Limit passengers: New drivers are more likely to crash when multiple passengers are present.
• Avoid driving when tired: Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment.
• Plan ahead: Know your route and avoid rushing.
• Speak up: Passengers should say something if the driver is behaving unsafely.

Additional teen driver safety resources:
AAA Teen Driver Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
the most common contributing factors include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Driver inexperience

In 2023, more than 40,900 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States.

Learn more:
NHTSA Road Safety

Teen drivers have some of the highest crash rates due to inexperience and risk-taking behaviors.

The CDC reports that teen drivers ages 16–19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers age 20 and older.

More information:
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/index.html

Distracted driving takes attention away from the road. Looking at a phone for just five seconds at highway speed can mean traveling the length of a football field without watching the road.

NHTSA reports that 3,275 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2023.

More information: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/distracted-driving

In many cases, yes. Police reports help document the incident and assist with insurance claims.

State laws require reporting crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance provider and policy number
• Vehicle registration

1. Check yourself and others for injuries
2. Call 911 if anyone may be injured
3. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Document the scene if possible

Approach cautiously and only if it is safe. Traffic, damaged vehicles, and leaking fluids may create hazards.

Guidance from the American Red Cross:
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-steps

Only stop if it can be done safely without creating additional hazards.

If you cannot stop safely, call 911 and provide dispatchers with:

• Crash location
• Number of vehicles involved
• Possible injuries

• Exact location
• Number of vehicles involved
• Whether anyone appears injured
• Any visible hazards

Crashes can affect families emotionally, financially, and physically as they support recovery and adjust to long-term changes.

Serious crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other medical conditions requiring long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

CDC resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html

Bobby’s Crash Foundation has applied for federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding nonprofit status with the State of Illinois.

While our application is currently under review, many nonprofit approvals are granted with tax-exempt status retroactive to the date of application. If approved, donations made after that date may become tax deductible as allowed by law.

Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of their contributions.

Yes. Businesses can partner as Community Safety Partners to support program expansion and outreach.

You can help by:

• Making a donation
• Becoming a business “Community Safety Partner”
• Bringing the program to a school