The importance of young people developing safe driving practices is emphasized throughout National Teen Driver Safety Week. For many teens, getting their driver’s licence is a joyous milestone, but for parents, it frequently raises new safety concerns. Young drivers are likely to underestimate the dangers of irresponsible driving because they lack experience and are occasionally distracted. General Motors (GM) responded by launching Teen Driver Mode, a cutting-edge solution. By assisting young drivers in operating vehicles more safely, this cutting-edge technology seeks to allay some parental worries.
Contents
- 1 GM’s safety-focused technology for young drivers: an understanding of teen driver mode
- 2 Teen Driver Mode’s Key Features to Encourage Safer Driving
- 3 A Tool for Tracking Driving Behavior: The Teen Driver Report Card
- 4 Accessible teen driver technology in all GM models
- 5 Using teen driver mode to promote safe driving practices
- 6 Using parental support to prepare teens for safer travels
GM’s safety-focused technology for young drivers: an understanding of teen driver mode
GM created Young Driver Mode, a system inspired by road safety data, to combat the growing number of accidents involving young drivers. “This tool directly addresses the main causes behind teen driving incidents,” said Suzanne Johansson, GM’s lead on child safety. Teen Driver Mode gives parents the ability to impose restrictions that encourage safer driving habits, lowering possible hazards and distractions while driving.
Teen Driver Mode’s Key Features to Encourage Safer Driving
When a designated Teen Driver key fob is used, Teen Driver Mode turns on particular safety measures. The following are the main elements that encourage and strengthen teen safe driving:• Restrictions and Seatbelt Reminders: Teen Driver Mode makes sure that all passengers in the front seat fasten their seatbelts before the vehicle may start up. It sets off the “Buckle to Drive” function, which keeps the vehicle in park until every passenger in the front seat has buckled up. This lowers the hazards associated with young drivers not wearing seatbelts by encouraging a vital habit. • Audio Volume Control: Inexperienced drivers may become distracted by loud music, especially in busy or strange environments. Teen Driver Mode helps kids stay focused by reducing the likelihood of distraction from loud audio by allowing parents to select a maximum volume level.• Speed and acceleration limits: One of the main causes of juvenile driving accidents is speeding. Parents can set a limiter that caps the vehicle’s speed at 85 mph and a speed warning between 40 and 75 mph in Teen Driver Mode. To encourage smoother driving and discourage dangerous behavior, certain models additionally have acceleration controls. • Advanced Driver Assistance Restrictions: Super Cruise and other advanced driver assistance functions are not available when the Teen key is in use. To provide extra safety support, other crucial safety features like stability control, traction control, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring continue to function.
A Tool for Tracking Driving Behavior: The Teen Driver Report Card
The Teen Driver Report Card is one of Teen Driver Mode’s most notable features. This function, which can be accessed with a PIN, gives parents an overview of every drive and offers insights to promote safe driving practices. Included on the report card are: • Maximum Speed and Distance Driven: Parents can keep an eye on their teen’s adherence to safe driving distances and speed regulations.• Acceleration Tracking: The report identifies situations in which excessive acceleration was applied, which could indicate dangerous conduct.
- Safety Feature Activation: When traction or stability control systems come on, it signals a possible loss of control and serves as a starting point for a conversation about safe driving practices.
- Suzanne Johansson stresses how important report cards are for encouraging dialogue between parents and teenagers. This candid discussion encourages young drivers to carefully consider their choices and comprehend the repercussions of reckless driving.
Accessible teen driver technology in all GM models
Many Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC models now come equipped with GM’s Teen Driver technology, which was first unveiled in the 2016 Chevy Malibu. GM’s dedication to teen driving safety is demonstrated by this improved accessibility. Johansson stresses that while the tool encourages safer driving habits, it cannot take the place of a driver’s undivided focus and accountability when operating a motor vehicle.
Using teen driver mode to promote safe driving practices
Even though Teen Driver Mode provides useful protections, driving necessitates ongoing attention to the road, the environment, and the weather. Although safety features help young drivers, they cannot replace the value of driving carefully and responsibly. Parents may guide young drivers towards becoming responsible, attentive drivers by using Teen Driver Mode’s tips to start conversations about safe driving behaviours.
Using parental support to prepare teens for safer travels
With the help of GM’s Teen Driver technology, parents can feel more at ease as their children learn safer driving practices. Teen Driver Mode is a crucial tool for promoting responsible driving because of its features that limit distractions, regulate speed, and enforce seatbelt usage. By encouraging safe driving habits using resources like the Teen Driver Report Card, parents can create the groundwork for their children to drive safely for the rest of their lives.
