As parents, it can be nerve-racking to see our children grow from playful toddlers to teens who can legally drive. Because, let’s face it, sometimes teens aren’t the safest drivers. And even the most cautious new drivers can use some extra assistance.
As most teens are still learning how to stay safe on the road, they’ll need all the help they can get when driving on their own. In addition to any advice you’re giving your teen, making sure their car is equipped with the best tech will help to keep them safe.
Keeping your teen driver safe means monitoring their driving and ensuring they can get help if they ever need it. With the following five pieces of technology for teen drivers, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier knowing your child’s safety is always a priority.
Here are the top 5 must-have pieces of teen driver technology for your new driver’s car.
1. GPS
The GPS isn’t a new invention, but it’s one piece of tech that no teen should drive without. While most teens use apps on their phones for GPS, many parents should think about getting their car a GPS as well.
Teens that use their phones for directions are more likely to get distracted during the drive as they try to follow directions while looking at the phone, which creates a dangerous situation for your teen.
With a GPS installed in the car, teens can stay focused on the road while their car continues to guide them. An in-car GPS also comes in handy in the event that your teen’s phone dies and they need directions to get home.
And make sure your teen knows how to safely use their GPS so that it doesn’t distract them, especially if they get sucked back into the habit of using it on their phone. iDriveSafely shares great tips on the safest ways to use a GPS.
And if you’re looking for advice on helping your teen disconnect, check out our article on teaching your teen to maintain a healthy relationship with social media.
2. Radar Detector
Radar detectors are another type of valuable technology that all teen drivers can benefit from. They work to alert the driver to police using radar in the area. And they let the driver know when red-light traffic cameras are present. In addition to these benefits, radar detectors are also used to help the driver monitor their speed.
A radar detector will help to keep your teen alert and aware of any increase in their speed. Parents can set the maximum speed level on the radar detector to a number they are comfortable with. If your teen exceeds the limit, the detector alarm will sound until they slow down to a safe speed.
3. Cell Phone Signal Booster
A teen getting lost in the middle of nowhere without access to a working cell phone is every parent’s worst nightmare. That’s where cell phone signal boosters come in.
Cell phone signal boosters are another type of tech that your teen may benefit from having in the car. These cell phone signal boosters are made of three elements: the interior antenna, amplifier, and the exterior antenna. These elements create a wireless system that can boost cellular reception.
Vehicle cell phone boosters can be a life-saving piece of equipment should your teen ever get stranded in an area with no cell phone service. With the help of this booster and a charged phone, your teen can call for help and get to safety if needed.
4. Tracking System
Parents can never be too careful with their new teen drivers. While your teen may want to take advantage of their newfound freedom, a tracking system will help keep them safe and give you peace of mind. It’s a great piece of technology for teen drivers to have on hand.
A tracking device will instantly pinpoint the vehicle’s location while providing 10-second updates, location alerts, and real-time speed. While this constant surveillance may make your teen feel like you’re watching them, you’ll know exactly where your child is while they’re on the road. And they will know that it’s for their own safety.
5. Backup Cameras and Motion Sensors
Not having a 360-degree view while driving is no longer a problem. While older car models leave much to be desired with their rearview and side mirrors, newer models come equipped with backup cameras that alert the driver that they’re getting too close. This type of technology makes it easier than ever for drivers to maintain control of their cars.
Likewise, most cars today have blind-spot monitoring tech that alerts the driver to cars in their blind spot. This type of technology makes it easier than ever to switch into a new lane as safely as possible.
Final Thoughts
Young drivers need their parents’ wisdom as they take to the streets as first-time drivers. And they also need the right technology to keep them safe. With the help of a GPS, radar detector, cell phone reception booster, tracking system, and sensors and cameras for obstacle avoidance, your teen will be equipped with driver technology that is sure to help them drive safely.
What do you think is the best teen driver technology to keep your new driver safe?
Author Bio
Jennifer James graduated from Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism. She enjoys spending time on the beach, traveling to new parts of the world, and finding outdoor excursions with her husband.