Device Allows Parents to Both Protect and Monitor Teen Drivers

Tennessee parents with teen drivers in their households undoubtedly have some reservations about their children getting behind the wheel. That’s because of the dangers posed by other drivers and, perhaps to an equal extent, the dangers posed by the teens themselves.

Specifically, while parents worry about speeding or impaired drivers causing a car accident, they also worry about their own children engaging in their risky behavior that significantly elevates the risk of a crash, such as talking or texting while driving, or driving on roads beyond their experience level.

Interestingly, at least one technology company has devised a new product designed to address these exact concerns, giving parents much-needed peace of mind and teen drivers a degree of much-needed oversight.

The device in question is referred to as Splitsecnd and can be installed simply by plugging it into any standard 12-volt car outlet.

Much like the well-known OnStar system, Splitsecnd is designed to automatically alert an emergency call center in the event of a car crash in which the airbags are deployed, putting the driver directly in contact with a live operator.

Furthermore, in the event the driver is rendered unconscious in the accident, Splitsecnd’s built-in GPS system will emit a signal broadcasting the disabled vehicle’s location, enabling emergency responders to respond with pinpoint accuracy.

The driver can also hit a panic button to put them in immediate contact with an emergency call center.

As if all of this wasn’t reassuring enough to parents, Splitsecnd also enables parents to monitor their teen drivers’ location in real time via phone apps and, more significantly, determine whether they have been texting behind the wheel.

While some parents will undoubtedly view this device — or others like it — as must-have equipment, still others may view it as cost prohibitive ($100 for the device and $10 a month for a subscription). Regardless of whatever decision they reach, however, parents should make the investment of talking with their teens about safe driving, and perhaps consider drafting a safe driving contract setting forth both expectations and penalties.

What are your thoughts on devices like these? Is it something you’d consider purchasing?

Source: WAAY, “Tech guy: A device to keep your kids safe on the road,” June 20, 2014