Teen driving is a significant milestone that brings both excitement and anxiety for teenagers and their parents. As new drivers take to the roads, ensuring their safety becomes a paramount concern. General Motors (GM) has addressed this issue head-on with its innovative Teen Driver technology. This feature is designed to help promote safe driving habits and provide parents with the tools they need to guide their young drivers hitting the road in and around Mississauga. In this article, we will explore what GM's Teen Driver feature entails, its key components, its availability, the benefits it offers, and why it is a valuable addition to any vehicle.
What is Teen Driver?
GM's Teen Driver is a built-in system available in many of its vehicles that helps encourage safe driving practices for teens. It is designed to monitor and report on driving behaviors, providing parents with valuable insights into how their teens are handling the vehicle. The system includes several tools and features that work together to promote safer driving habits.
What are the Features of Teen Driver?
GM's Teen Driver system is packed with features aimed at enhancing teen driver safety:
1- Speed Alerts: Parents can set speed limits, and the system will alert the driver if the vehicle exceeds this speed. This helps teens learn to drive within safe speed limits.
2- Audio Volume Limits: The system can limit the audio volume to prevent distractions from loud music, ensuring that the driver remains focused on the road.
3- Seat Belt Audio Mute: If the driver or front passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, the audio system will remain muted until seat belts are fastened, promoting the use of seat belts at all times.
4- Driving Report Card: After each trip, Teen Driver provides a driving report card that includes information on distance driven, maximum speed, stability control events, antilock brake events, Forward Collision Alerts, and Forward Collision Avoidance Braking events. This report helps parents review their teen’s driving performance and identify areas needing improvement.
5- Buckle to Drive: This industry-first feature prevents the vehicle from shifting out of park if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. The feature will not allow the driver to shift for 20 seconds, reinforcing the habit of buckling up before driving. It also provides audible and visual alerts.
6- Safety Feature Usage: Teen Driver tracks the usage of advanced safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist, allowing parents to see if their teen is utilizing these critical safety tools.
Is Teen Driver an Option?
Teen Driver is available in a wide range of GM vehicles, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models. It is typically included in vehicles equipped with certain infotainment systems and is part of a broader suite of safety technologies.
What are the Advantages of Teen Driver?
The Teen Driver feature offers numerous advantages for both parents and young drivers:
1- Enhanced Safety: By promoting safe driving habits and discouraging risky behaviors, Teen Driver helps reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
2- Parental Peace of Mind: Parents can monitor their teen’s driving habits and receive detailed feedback, which helps them guide and coach their young drivers effectively.
3- Accountability: The driving report card fosters accountability by providing concrete data on driving behaviors, encouraging teens to take responsibility for their actions on the road.
4- Learning Tool: Teen Driver serves as an educational tool, helping teens understand the importance of safe driving practices and the consequences of risky behavior.
5- Insurance Benefits: Some insurance companies may offer discounts for vehicles equipped with Teen Driver, recognizing the added safety benefits of the system.
Conclusion
GM's Teen Driver safety feature is a comprehensive solution designed to help young drivers develop safe driving habits while providing parents with the tools they need to monitor and guide their teens. With its range of features and benefits, Teen Driver not only enhances safety but also promotes responsible driving practices. As the technology becomes more prevalent in GM’s vehicle lineup, it stands to make a significant impact on teen driver safety, giving parents greater peace of mind and contributing to safer roads for everyone.
