For a young driver who has learned to drive recently, it can be difficult to practice safe driving skills. According to recent statistics, young drivers are responsible for causing a major chunk of road accidents. As per the data issued by Dubai’s Community Development Authority, most fatal road accidents in Dubai have been caused by young drivers between the ages of 18 to 35. A comprehensive study on traffic issues in Abu Dhabi also determined that most of the road accidents were caused by young drivers who don’t wear seatbelts and indulge in distracted driving.
These alarming statistics reveal the fact that driving at a young age without having any proper training and skills can be dangerous. The main reasons for accidents caused by young adults are speeding, distracted driving and tailgating. Not following proper road safety protocols endangers the lives of drivers and those around them. Therefore, it is extremely important for young drivers to develop a defensive driving approach such as wearing seatbelts, keeping a considerable distance from the car in front of them, obeying speed limits, avoiding nighttime driving and steering clear from distracted driving. Car drivers should maintain full focus on the road and not be distracted by their phones, music, other occupants etc.
While it is of utmost importance to train young drivers about practising road safety skills, it is also a good idea for parents and drivers to invest in modern vehicles which are equipped with technologies that offer elevated car safety. Teen Driver Technology is an advanced safety technology that not only offers several safety functionalities, but it also gives the parents tools to counsel and educate young drivers on good driving behaviours.
Given below is a complete guide that helps drivers understand one of the most important safety technologies i.e., Teen Driver Technology:
What is Teen Driver Technology?
Teen Driver Technology is a built-in, state-of-the art safety technology that teaches young drivers to develop safe driving habits. In fact, this advanced technology goes a step further and sends a “driving report card” to parents following the young driver’s use of the family vehicle.
The feature was first developed by General Motors on the basis of the fact that teen drivers are more prone to making unwise driving decisions such as not wearing seatbelts, playing loud music and speeding. Teen Driver Technology helps reduce these risks by enabling parents to monitor their child’s driving skills and reinforce safe driving methods.
How Does Teen Driver Technology Work in Cars?
Teen Driver Technology offers several advanced functionalities to enhance driver and occupant safety. It has a built-in system that automatically mutes the stereo and other audio devices till the driver wears their seatbelt. It is also equipped with a Buckle-to-Drive safety system that prevents the driver from driving away from the parking mode until a fastened seat belt is detected. When the driver brakes the car, a warning sound will be played and a message will be shown on the information screen as a reminder to fasten the seatbelt.
In addition to a strict reminder to buckle-up, the technology is also equipped with another innovative safety feature called the In-Vehicle Report Card. This cutting-edge feature provides a report card to the parents that lets them know their child’s driving strategy. This unique technology works by recording real-time data while the vehicle is being driven. It tracks and evaluates information such as maximum speed, total distance travelled, total tailgating incidents and how many times the advanced safety features were functional.
This information is then incorporated in an in-vehicle “report card” that enables the parents to see the potentially alarming driving skills of their child. Parents can use this report card to coach their child on safe driving skills. On the other hand, the report card can also be a motivator for young drivers to become better drivers and make good driving skills a priority.
If your car also has advanced driver-assistance systems, then the Teen Driver Technology will automatically switch these systems on and the driver will not be allowed to turn them off. If you have a newer-generation car, these advanced driver-assistance and safety features may include:
- Anti Lock Brakes
- Traction Control
- Stability Control
- Daytime Running Lights
- Automatic Headlight Control
- Parking Sensors
- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Pedestrian & Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Warning
How to Set Up Teen Driver Technology in Cars?
Setting up Teen Driver Technology in cars is quite simple and straightforward. First, the driver has to discover the Teen Driver system in the infotainment display and create a personal identification number (PIN). This set-up registers a key, and the young driver can use the Teen Driver Technology with the registered key. The proactive and defensive approach of Teen Driver Technology helps young drivers be aware of safe driving measures, build trust in their driving abilities and make the driving experience as safe and secure as possible.
Parental Control Features in Teen Driver Technology
Teen Driver Technology is a one-of-a-kind technology that allows parents to be fully involved in the driving education of their children. Parents can set the following features to encourage safer driving in their children.
- Speed Warning: If the young driver breaks a pre-determined speed limit set by the parent, the system will give a visual and audible warning to remind the driver to monitor their speed.
- Speed Limiter: Parents can set a speed limit that restricts the maximum car speed to 85 miles per hour.
- Audio Limit: Reckless driving instances tend to increase when drivers are distracted by loud music. Parents can set an audio volume limit that ensures safe volume levels for young adults while driving.
- Seat Belt Audio Mute: This impressive feature mutes the audio of the vehicle until both the driver and front passenger have buckled their seat belts.
Advanced Safety Features in Modern Cars
Teen Driver Technology is added as a standard feature in almost all the General Motors models such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Moreover, GM is not the only company to offer advanced technologies for safer teenage driving. Ford models are also designed with standard MyKey technology with functions similar to GM’s Teen Driver system. Kia’s UNO link technology also has features that enable parents to encourage young drivers to drive carefully.
Such modern safety features ensure that the newer-generation vehicles are as safe and reliable as possible. Newer vehicles’ safety features offer improved convenience, low-impact crashes and protect car passengers from fatal injuries in an unavoidable car crash. These additions are also particularly useful for young drivers who are more prone to distracted driving and might not drive responsibly.
Most advanced safety features are not present in cars that are older than 5 years which highlights the importance of upgrading to a safer and newer vehicle. Upgrading to a new vehicle which is equipped with state-of-the-art advanced safety features is a great idea for people who prioritize driver security and protection above anything else. At the same time, it is also important for drivers to practice cautious and responsible road safety protocols and remain fully focused while driving. Some other advanced safety features present in modern day cars are given below.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
- Collision Warning
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Forward and Rear Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Pedestrian Detection System
- Night Vision Technology
- Emergency Response System
- Driver Attention Assist
- Intelligent Parking Assist
- Head-up Display
Also read: 5 New Car Safety Features of 2021
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