Risks reduced for teen drivers when parents are watching

A number of studies have shown that parental involvement helps children do better in school and become more successful in life. Now a new study shows that applies to driving as well. The report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that when parents are watching, teens drive safer than when they’re alone or with friends. The crash risk for teen drivers is higher than any other age group, and safety-belt usage among teens is low.

The study shows that in-vehicle monitoring devices have a positive effect on teen driving behavior by standing in for parents who aren’t there to supervise. The “black boxes” transmit data on driving behavior back to parents.

The IIHS study looked at the driving habits of 84 teens whose cars were outfitted with a monitoring device. The unit recorded data such as when drivers braked hard or accelerated quickly, didn’t wear seatbelts, and drove more than 10 mph over the speed limit, which was the most prevalent risky behavior. The information then was transmitted via GPS to a processing center then posted on a website for parents to view.

There were four groups in the study. The first and second group heard alerts in the car when they drove in a risky way. The second group could correct their driving within 20 seconds to avoid sending the information to their parents. The third group had no in-car alerts, just parental notification via the website. The fourth was a control group, with in-car monitoring, but no audible alerts or web notification.

The monitoring device worked best for the second group who were able to correct their mistakes before the information was sent out to parents. Sixty percent of teens in this group who were driving 10 mph over the speed limit reduced their speed and there was a 40 percent drop for those teens that braked sharply or accelerated suddenly. At the end of the study, 98 percent of parents said they would recommend the devices to other parents. Teens said the device helped them to be better drivers. However, the study found that over time, teens would go back to risky driving if they didn’t think their parents were paying attention.

This report reinforces that fact that even with monitoring technology, parents are still big influencers in their children’s lives. The more involved parents are, the less likely their kids will engage in risky behaviors.

For more information on car safety features, driving with children, and teen driving, see our kids and car safety guide.

–Liza Barth