How is your teen driving?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2006
How is your teen driving?
5
Mon, 02-20-2006 - 9:05pm

I know one thing for sure, the statistics are startling...

1) Up to 78% of teen drivers are ticketed or crash by the time they are 18.
2) 1 in 20 teen drivers are fatally or seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash.

How scary is that? Wouldn't you like to know how your teenage son or daughter is driving? Well, the other day I discovered a unique service that has offered me some peace of mind and I thought I would share it with you all...

You can check it out at www.survivingmydriving.com

If anyone knows of any similiar services or has any good advice on how to ensure your teen driver is safe, feel free to share it also!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2004
Mon, 02-20-2006 - 9:45pm
I have heard there are some insurance companies that are making use of the vehicle computer by allowing you to plug a small device into the diagnostic port. This monitors all vehicle activity including rapid acceleration / braking, Vehicle speeds, hours of operation and total mileage. This information is stored in the plug-in and can be downloaded onto a computer for review. I'm not sure where it's available but it would be worth asking your auto insurance agent.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2006
Tue, 02-21-2006 - 12:03am

I've heard of that also. Apparently all new vehicles today are installed with GPS systems, so that they can be tracked from anywhere in the globe. I've also heard of online services that will allow you to track the location of any cellphone by just using the cellphone number.

That all strikes me as a bit too "big brother"-ish for me, even if there are good intentions involved. :)

Avatar for momtb4
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 02-21-2006 - 1:26am

I hate to admit it but my ds had 2 tickets and a crash within the first year of having his license. the only reason he still has his license is that I'm the only other driver in the house, which is difficult on a family of 6. I have cracked down much, much harder on him, restricting him to having no other passengers without my specific permission and being where he is supposed to be.

I know there is a chip thing that can be put in newer cars that alert parents if a driver exceeds a certain speed. I saw something about it on dr phil.

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 02-21-2006 - 9:11am

My 18dd has been in 2 accidents since getting her license - neither were her fault, thankfully. No tickets, but she was stopped for speeding.

For the most part, I think she is a careful driver, perhaps a little heavy footed, but not too bad compared to what I see around town.

When my other dd gets her license, I will be pacing until she gets home - she makes me nervous, which is why I'm so glad she hasn't asked to get her permit, in fact, she says she's not interested. How wierd is that?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2005
Tue, 02-21-2006 - 10:28am
Oddly enough, my "wild child" is the better driver. Oldest, calm one tailgates, speeds, etc. - a minor wreck or ticket at least every year for 8 years now. Youngest one lost control on a gravel road and spun around and hit a mailbox, gravel and dust was flying so she couldn't see and didn't know what she had hit. There was a car in front of her and one behind her so she was afraid it was one of them. Thankfully it was only a mailbox. This happened 3 mos after she got her license. She was literally scared to drive for a long time afterwards and rarely drives the country back roads anymore and certainly not at night. It is a rule now but she doesn't fight it so she must agree with it. She's very picky now about who she rides with and prefers to drive even with me. She's had her license almost two years now and that's it - no tickets, no real wrecks, etc. I hope this lesson sticks with her for a very long time!! No chips or computers needed in her car.