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Study finds speeding top factor in deadly teen crashes, apps can help track them

Distracted driving simulator could save teen lives
Posted at 5:54 AM, Feb 17, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-17 05:56:02-05

DETROIT — A new study found in a five-year period nearly 5,000 teens died in crashes because of speeding, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

According to Michigan State Police, in 2019, 124 drivers in Michigan between the ages of 15 and 20 involved in deadly crashes were driving too fast.

For parents of driving teens, there are cellphone apps parents can use that not only track speed but other driving habits:

  • RoadReady: Keeps track of training hours and driving conditions during those driving hours.
  • Life360: Tells parents how fast their teen is driving, along with reporting hard braking and increase acceleration.
  • MamaBear: Tells parents if your teen is texting and driving behind the wheel.

Depending on the make and model of your car, there are also settings that can be used on the vehicle itself.

“They’re programmable keys that they can actually program for teens, like they cannot go over a certain speed or the radio won’t work if the seat belt is not on,” said Linda Fech, teen traffic safety coordinator for MSP.

She says it is important for parents to do their research to see what tools work best for training their teen drivers.

While these tools are helpful, Fech says, there need to be conversations about the importance of driving the speed limits.

It’s also important to lead by example. “Drive the way you want your teen to drive."