SAN DIEGO -- A local man is using his experiences to make sure teen drivers understand their responsibilities when they get behind the wheel, 10News reported.

Jake Clemens' friend recently died in a car crash in which he was not wearing a seatbelt. The teen behind the wheel was a newly licensed driver, and the crash happened during hours where they were not supposed to be driving.

"It's very sad, but very frustrating," said driver's education teacher Tim Boice.

Boice was paralyzed after his friend lost control during a turn in a Volkswagen Bug. The incident happened when he was 16 years old, and he was in the back seat and was not wearing his seatbelt. Boice said he uses his life lesson to reach out to other young drivers.

"I don't want them to be afraid to be behind the wheel, but I want them to care about driving and know it's a huge responsibility," said Boice.

During Boice's 30-hour program, he talks about safety. However, he said kids don't need to take this type of course because driver's education became available online in 2004.

Boice said online driver's education programs don't get the message out as clearly as in the classroom.

"I like to see online driving school eliminated, but I know that's not the reality," said Boice.

Students said hearing Boice's story and learning first hand is making them more aware of their responsibilities.

"That one little thing can change everything. Every part of his life has changed because of that one choice not to wear his seatbelt," said student Pooja Somasundaram.

Online driver's education courses cost about $99, but it costs $88 for the classroom and $300 for behind-the-wheel training.