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By Greg Bartlett

It’s a well-known fact that teen drivers are among some of the most dangerous drivers on the road. More teens die in car crashes each year than from any other cause, and fatality rates among teen drivers are four times higher than those for older drivers. The reasons for these statistics are varied. Much of the problem can be attributed to inexperience in knowing what to do in a risky situation.

What you don't know can hurt everyone!

It’s also true, however, that teens engage in more risky behaviors such as speeding and running red lights than their older and more experienced fellow drivers. Problems like these have caused insurance rates for teen drivers to skyrocket, but fortunately for parents, some insurance companies are beginning to take a second look at the problem. Companies such as SafeCo have begun offering GPS tracking based programs that allow parents to receive an insurance discount for their teens.

The programs use a GPS tracking device installed in the car to monitor teen driving behavior. Parents can set maximum speed limits or mileage limits for their teens and the device will send them a text message if the limits are exceeded. In this way, parents can monitor their teen’s habits and instigate a discussion before an accident happens. They can also view data such as location, stops made, and destination arrival times via online software.

Parents have more reasons than just lower insurance premiums to keep an eye on teen driving habits. More than 7000 teens have car accidents that involve a fatality each year and over 5000 of those deaths were the teens themselves. While some have expressed concerns about privacy, many parents and teens agree that GPS tracking is a basis for trust, not for snooping. Safety is of primary importance and parental knowledge of teen habits is a great way to build trust in the ability of a teen to act responsibly behind the wheel of a car. When mistakes happen, parents can assess the situation knowledgeably and discuss with their teens ways of making a better decision next time.

The moment a teen gets behind the wheel of a car by himself for the first time can be a cause of either pride or panic in the heart of a parent. With GPS tracking, parents can take advantage of the opportunity to allow their sons and daughters the independence they crave, while at the same time providing a cushion of safety and accountability.