How GM’s Teen Drivers Tech Is Keeping New Drivers Safe
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), teens aged 16-19 are at a disproportionately higher risk of car accidents than any other age group. General Motors (GM) Teen Driver technology is a built-in set of features designed to teach safe driving habits to teenagers and provide parents with tools to monitor and coach them. Here are some key features of GM’s Teen Driver technology and how to set it up in your car.
How To Set Up Teen Driver Technology
Start by ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with Teen Driver technology. This feature is typically available in newer GM vehicles. Since 2016, GM has added this feature to nearly all Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models. Other car companies like Ford, Hyundai, and Kia also have their versions of Teen Driving Technology in select car models.
To access the system, locate the “Vehicle Settings” menu on the car’s infotainment system. Within the settings menu, look for an option related to Teen Driver or similar. You may be prompted to create a Teen Driver PIN (personal identification number). This PIN is used to access and make changes to the Teen Driver settings. Once it is set up, you will be able to view and make changes to the following features.
Speed Warnings and Limits
Parents can set a maximum speed limit for the vehicle at 85 mph. If the driver exceeds this speed, the system will provide audible and visual warnings. This can teach teen drivers to not exceed speed limits on the road.
Audio Volume Limits
Parents can set a maximum volume for the vehicle’s entertainment system. This feature encourages teens to keep the audio at a level that allows them to remain focused on the road and be more aware of their surroundings.
Distance Reports
The system can provide a report to parents that includes information about the distance the teen drove, the maximum speed reached, and any safety features triggered during a trip. This allows parents to have constructive discussions with their teens about how they drive.
Built-in Buckle-to-Drive
This feature will prevent the vehicle from shifting out of “Park” until the driver’s seat belt is fastened.
Collision Alerts with Teen Driver Technology
The Teen Driver system can generate alerts for certain safety events, such as forward collision alerts or forward-collision braking events. This allows parents to discuss potential safety concerns with their teen drivers.
Driving Lessons – Phoenix, AZ
The primary goal of GM’s Teen Driver technology is to promote safer driving habits and reduce risky behaviors among teen drivers. That is also the goal of Legacy Driving Academy, the most trusted driving school in Phoenix, Arizona. Our driving school serves the greater metro Phoenix area and provides free pickup and drop-off for our students for each driving lesson. If you are interested in giving your teen behind-the-wheel lessons or have any questions, please contact us today at (602) 396-8321.
