With the onset of in-vehicle technology, automakers and tech companies have begun providing options for parents to help new drivers improve and stay safe.

With the onset of in-vehicle technology, automakers and tech companies have begun providing options for parents to help new drivers improve and stay safe.

Automakers cram more-and-more technology in their cars with every new model. In most cases these features make driving more convenient. In the case of apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, they can actually make driving safer.

If you have a new or teen driver, safety will be your primary concern. New drivers are more likely to be in a fatal accident. A lack of experience and varying driving situations new to the driver often lead to these types of accidents.

Distraction represents another leading cause of accidents for teen drivers. Once friends get in the car, teens tend to get caught-up in their surroundings and forget to focus on the road. Distractions come from a myriad of sources; smartphones, texting, loud music and other passengers.

Too often teens pick these habits up from parents (shame on you). Once in the vehicle alone, how can you unteach dangerous driver behavior.

For some time, vehicle manufacturers and smartphone app developers have started to address this problem without much fanfare.

Built-In Teen Driving Technologies

Several vehicle manufacturers provide built-in teen driving tech features that can be added at time-of-purchase. These apps can be included as part of the OEM infotainment system and provide a wide array of features.

Chevrolet Teen Driving Technology

Chevorlet's Teen Driving Technology offers an extensive set of tools to help teen drivers and parents keep teens safe and improve driving habits over time.

It lets you set a speed alert, a volume limit and more — and with the industry’s first and only in-vehicle report card, it’s easy to track your teen’s driving performance.

Key Features:

• Speed Warning
• Speed Limiter
• Audio Limiter
• Seat Belt Reminder
• Driving Report Card

You can learn more about Chevy's Teen Driving Technology by clicking here.

Ford MyKey

Ford's MyKey feature can also be included as an OEM integration with the vehicle's infotainment system.

It allows you to configure one or more of your Ford keys to control your vehicle’s safety settings, even when you aren’t behind the wheel.

Key Features:

Non-Configurable Settings

• The safety belt reminder will be turned on, and the audio system will mute when the front seat passengers’ safety belts are not fastened.
• The low fuel or low charge warning will activate earlier, giving the MyKey user more time to refuel or recharge.
• Driver assist features, if equipped on your vehicle, will be forced on. These may include parking aids and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert.
• If your vehicle is equipped with satellite radio, restrictions on adult content will be turned on automatically.

Configurable Settings

• You can set a vehicle speed limit. When the MyKey driver reaches the set speed, the display will show warnings, followed by an audible tone. The driver will not be able to override the set speed by fully depressing the accelerator pedal or by using cruise control.
• You can also set various vehicle speed minders so that when the MyKey driver exceeds your preselected speed, the speed will be shown in the display followed by an audible tone.
• The audio system can be set to a maximum volume of 45%. When the MyKey driver attempts to exceed the volume limit, a message will show in the display. The speed-sensitive or speed-compensated automatic volume control will also be disabled.
• You can enable the always on setting for Advance Trac or traction control, 911 Assist or Emergency Assist, or the do not disturb feature, if your vehicle is equipped with these features. When always on is enabled for these features, the MyKey driver will be unable to switch them off.

Learn more about Ford MyKey here.

Hyundai Blue Link

Hyundai offers Blue Link, a telematics-based solution that requires a subscription service.

While not specifically designed as a teen driver technology, the service includes many features that can serve the needs of parents who want to monitor teen drivers.

Blue Link is a remote service requiring a physical module part. The module comes standard on newer models and may not be available on older Hyundai vehicles.

Key Features:

• Valet Alert
• Geo-Fence Alert
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert

Get more info about Hyundai Blue Link by clicking here.

Aftermarket Teen Driving Tech Apps

Multiple third-party apps exist that add teen driver technology functionality to your current vehicle.

Third-party teen driver apps generally require an OBD port device and a paid subscription service to function.

Life360

Life360 provides a fully-developed app built for everyday driving for the entire family, with teen driving safety an integral aspect of the overall service.

The service comes with varying levels of functionality, with the teen driver tech features included in its premium plan for $7.99 per month.

Key Features:

• Driver Report
• Crash Detection
• Roadside Assistance
• Check-In
• Location Sharing

Get more information about Life360 by clicking here.

EverDrive

EverDrive serves more as a driving monitor than a teen driving tech app. It doesn't allow for speed monitoring or seat belt safety.

What it does do is monitor the driver habits in 5 key areas of defensive driving; phone use, braking, acceleration, cornering and speed.

It provides a driving report that parents can review with teen drivers in order to improve overall driving in general.

The service and app are both free and in some states you can share data with your insurance company to get reduced rates.

Get more information about EverDrive by clicking here.