The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that car accidents are the most common cause of death among teenagers in the United States. In 2016, nearly 2,500 teens ages 16 through 19 were killed and more than 290,000 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained in traffic collisions, meaning six teens died and hundreds more were injured every day due to crashes.
Due to these frightening statistics, several automakers have developed technology to keep teen drivers safe in their vehicle. In fact, parents now are able to monitor their child’s driving habits and control specific functions of the vehicle to deter distracted driving and speeding.
The following are the safety features developed by automakers:
- Ford MyKey – Developed by Ford, this free feature reminds teen drivers to buckle their seatbelts by muting the radio until the task is complete. A message on the dashboard panel also reminds them to buckle up. Additionally, a speed alert prompts teens to low down when they reach speeds of 45, 55, and 65 miles per hour. Parents also have the ability to limit the top speed at 80 miles per hour. A Do Not Disturb features enables parents to block incoming notifications on a phone connected to Ford SYNC.
- General Motors’ Family Link – Launched in 2012, the OnStar feature can help subscribers locate their vehicles by logging onto a website and set up location alerts in the form of text messages and e-mails. This service costs $3.99 per month on top of OnStar’s subscription fees.
- Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 – Features of this telematics system include geographic fencing function, a driving journal which details the vehicle’s whereabouts according to its GPS system, and can contact a family member or taxi company if teens cannot drive. The cost of mbrace2 is $280 annually. But for an additional $20, drivers can install mbrace plus, which includes other driver monitoring features, roadside assistance, and an onboard concierge service.
- Hyundai BlueLink – For $179 per year, the safety features include geo fence function like mbrace2, speed notifications, curfew alerts, and roadside assistance. If a teen drive breaks any of the rules, such as driving faster than the set speed limit in the vehicle, parents will receive a text or e-mail.
So if you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle for your teen or in adding on any one of these features in your current car, having a system that can help your child become a safer driver may mean helping them avoid becoming another statistic.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our New Bedford personal injury attorneys at Morgan & Murphy, LLP today.