New Teenage Driver on the Road....

I would ABSOLUTELY do this! My boys are far from getting their licenses, but now that I know that this exists, I can GUARANTEE I will be doing the same. My parental philosophy is that why should she care if she is doing everything that she should be doing? I was a good responsible teenager who from time to time did things that my parents would not approve of!

I'll have a teenage driver in a year and a half and can totally understand why you're doing this, especially since it's your daughter (I have a son). I think it's great that you're considering how she'll feel about it. I think it is very important that you do explain to her that you're using it to keep her safe and perhaps define some limits as to how you yourself will use the information. For example, I don't think it would be a good idea for you to monitor her everytime she goes somewhere. But, if she's late or the weather is bad, etc., then you should check on her. I also think it's very important that you don't use this to replace general guidance (i.e., limiting the number of kids in the car, not using cellphone while driving, etc.) and perhaps even have her agree to a teen driver's contract. Here's one example, you can find lots on the internet and find one that fits your family's values: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/DES_Parent-Teen_Safe_Dr...

In the bigger scheme, this approach is far likelier to guarantee her safety than that device.

I say go for it. Sounds like there are a tone of features that could come in very handy. Like another poster said though, I wouldn't constantly monitor it just to be nosy. Also, she needs to understand that having a car at 16 that her parents provide is a privilege, not a right, and maybe one of the conditions of her having the car is for this to be installed. Another thing, this is just my personal opinion, while the roadside service can come in very handy; it would be wonderful if she knew how to at least change a tire herself. You can't always rely on cell phone signal or on the cars system being able to alert the appropriate people so knowing how to do this basic thing is a huge plus. Good luck!

Stephanie,
I whole heatedly agree with you! I know when it comes time (my daughter is 11) I will do the same. I am a step-mother of two teenage girls 15 and 19. Today the world is different. In an age where car jackings, rape, kidnapping, and worse happens everyday you cannot be too careful. I know my daughter would not like it either but this is the way I would put it. IT IS NOT ABOUT NOT TRUSTING YOU, it is about not trusting the world we live in. Watch the news for 15 min. a day. The dangers are real and they are not just in inner cities and gang infested territories. 6 months ago my organization (The National Aliance On Mental Illness) got this report. A 16 year old girl living in Frisco was a frequent member on My Space.com. The girl's parents had gotten a divorce and the Father left town. The Mother then had to work two jobs to make ends meat. The 16 year old was a good kid. No trouble, perfect student etc. On My Space she met another 16 year old girls who's parents had goten a divorce with all the same circumstances and both girls were left lonley and trying to cope. After a month of on-line chatting the girls decided to meet at a park in Frisco. The 16 year old took a cab to the park. When she arrived looking around for her friend a man approached in his mid-fourties and told her he was the other girls father and that she was caught up at cheer practice (another common bond they had created both were on a cheer team) and that he was to bring her to that house. The girl somewhat hesitated and the man picked up on it and grabbed her throwing her into his car. the girl fighting and screaming attracted the attention of an off duty firemen that was walking his dog. He wrested the guy down and held him till police arrived. Turns out there never was a 16 year old girl he was playing the part the whole time. He was also a non-registered sex affender that had served 7 years in CA for rape of a minor. His house they later searched was filled with child porn and posters of children hanging everwhere. So again it is not our children we don't trust it is the world we live in. And teens make mistakes because they are innocent and trusting by nature. It is our job to protect our children until we know they are able to protect themselves. I truly believe in my heart you are making a good choice in protecting your daughter.

Absolutely!! You and her father are doing her a great service by protecting her out on the road. Protecting her from herself really. Of course, she can be the best kid, but that doesn't take the place of experience, which teen drivers lack severly. I think if most parents were as proactive as you, a lot of teen deaths could be prevented.

You can go over the rules a million times (especially the 'no driving your friends around town 500MPH) and they will always be tempted to try it at least once. It's the freedom and we've all done it at one time or another. But God forbid they lose their life over it...case in point...

About a month ago my cousin (14) was in a car driven by her friend (16) that just gotten his license three days prior. (Although he wasn't supposed to be driving any of his friends, and she wasn't supposed to be in the car with him.) It was him and 2 other kids including my cousin. He dropped off my cousin and her friend at her house and 15 minutes later he was dead. Speeding and crashed his car into a telephone pole. His friend lived, barely. Not a car in sight, broad daylight, clear weather, and a straight road. He just lost control due to inexperience and as I could imagine, the freedom of being finally turned loose. It's VERY tragic and maybe your daughter needs some fear in her to help her make good decisions. I'm totally for the GPS and speed governor. Even the best kids can have lapse in judgements. Good luck.

Sounds wonderful!
I'd say it's mandatory, for her safety, until she graduates from high school. Once she's in college she can choose to keep the service or not, and you'll gladly continue paying for it, or for a similar service (like On Star).

My husband works for 9-1-1 and only about 50 percent of counties in the country have their 9-1-1 call centers equipped to locate a wireless caller in an emergency. And even if the wireless company has the technology, and you have this capability in an urban area, the 9-1-1 call centers, smaller local wireless providers, and phone companies in rural or out-of range areas don't have the networks and equipment to support it (it would be like, what good is an HDTV signal if you don't have an HDTV?).
These in-vehicle systems are a great way to bridge that gap because their operators can locate the vehicle and send assistance no matter where you are.

YES! YES! YES! My kids are still very young but I will DEFINITELY be using this when the day comes for them to drive. You are the Mom. I know it's hard to do something that would probably make your daughter unhappy (by putting this on her car) but oh well. I would say it comes with the car, take it or leave it. If she doesn't like it and she tries to refuse it then I wouldn't give her the car, period. I remember how I was as a new teen driver...and I hear how my friends daughter is with her new car and she has already gotten in a wreck. Another soon to be licensed kid I know keeps telling me how mature beyond her years she is but yet I hear how bad she can be and immature she is from everyone else. I'd get it and just tell her it's something she has to deal with cause there is no debating the fact that it is going to be on the car. Good Luck!!!

I would do it without a doubt. I was a good kid too, but 16 year olds drive way to fast. If that was all the device did I would do it.

I absolutely would do it. And if she really is a "good kid", she shouldn't mind. I wouldn't have objected to something like that when I was a teenager. I didn't go places I shouldn't go and I didn't speed so I wouldn't have had anything to worry about. I would especially like the "lowjack" feature and also the roadside assistance. I don't know how many times I locked my keys in my car as a teenager. I think it's a great idea and anything that would help to give you peace of mind when your child is out on the road alone is definitely worth it if you ask me. :-)

Yes, I would do it. You want what's best for her and want to keep an eye on her and there's nothing wrong with that. She may be 16, but she's still living in your house, under your roof and by your rules- there's no reason she should have a problem with you still wanting to make sure she's safe and sound with her car. If she does, then it's just teenage angst. She'll get over it. I think it's a great idea and would definitely do it if I had a teen (mine's only 2.5 right now).

I'm going to do it when my son gets his license. It would have cut down on the trouble I caused when I was a teen. Tell her it's not a trust issue with her...only a trust issue with other people.

Yes I would & will be doing this when my kiddos are old enough. They are only 11, 9, 6, & 4, but they've already been informed that it will be put on their cars when the time comes. If I had that on my car when I was a teen, I wouldn't have gotten away with a 1/4 of what I did do. These days, I feel you can't be too safe. Personally, I wish they'd change the driving age to 18. I know at 16, I really was not mature enough to drive safely. But I & many before me got through it. Good luck & don't chew off too many of your nails worrying! :)

I would definitely do this! My daughter is only 3 but I already worry about what life will be like for her when she is a teenager. It sounds like an amazing service and I know my husband would want it too. I think it's good that you are being realistic and looking out for your daughter's safety. She might be upset because she thinks you want to "spy" on her, but she also might thank you some day if she does get stranded or needs help. When you talk to her about it, I would just concentrate on the safety features of the service and not the tracking of her location part. Good luck to you and don't worry, you ARE doing the right thing!

I'm 5 years off from having my oldest drive, and I think that is the coolest thing I've ever heard of. I would definately see about getting that for my daughter when she's driving. You're the parent and her safety comes first.

I would do it in a heartbeat. My nephew is 9 and getting to the point where he can play with his friends and go to thier houses with out needing an escort but before we "let loose of the reigns" he is getting the disney cell phone that has a gps and parental control from the phone and is a good idea. My son when he is of age (10mo now) will have something simmilar if not the same thing and it is nice to know that exists ... I have another nephew who is a teenager where did you find the informaition on it so I can pass it along.

I think that is a great idea and would totally do it also.

Hey, I would do it in a heart beat. Children do not have to like what we do. Our job is to do what is in the best interest of the child. I had three teens in my care when I was married and they sneaked out the step daughter and her dad lied to me and my daughter was in big time rebellion. So do it to protect her and that is just good parenting. I went to tough love for a year. They earn trust and that is a step at a time. We try to help them learn to make good decisions but on Dr Phil they say that young teens still do not have all their brains developed so they make bad decisions. We all learn from our mistakes at least most do but teens take risks and chances to feel great among their peers. Even responsible mature children. Other lives are envolved and better to be able to monitor and have it as you can drive with it or do not drive. That gives her a choice. Those that are totally honest we can see through and they have nothing to hide. Those who stick to themselves have tons to hide. You are doing the right thing and wish I had it when my step daughter was doing under age drinking. We had to resort to taping all phone calls. Boy did we get an ear full. Take care and God bless you G. W

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Stephanie I know it is hard for your kids to think you don't trust them, but please we were all teenagers once and none of us should have been trusted. I wish they would have had this stuff when I was growing up (maybe I would have stayed out of trouble) You are a great Mom that wants to do the best by your kids and even with the best of kids they are still kids with LOTS OF TEMPTATION and TONS of people that want to hurt them.

If we are voting my vote is good for you!! Safety first!! Are you kidding me i would like to insert a lojack in my sons neck.. (hehe) extreme I know but things aren't like they used to be. Your daughter won't like it, but she will understand that you want to protect her and if she isn't doing anything wrong she has nothing to worry about.

Good Luck..

Stephanie,

I would recommend this product big time! I work for an insurance agency and have just started selling this (it's a new product). Like you stated-it's for peace of mind. She is a new driver. You never know what kind of driver your child will become...she could be very responsible but have a lead foot :). Or many other scenerios. You can tell her that part of her getting the priviledge to drive is knowing that she will have these monitors on her car..not only to alert you if she is doing something that she shouldn't, but also like you said-if she gets into trouble she has the assistance she needs at hand. I even remember having a blow out when I was a teenager on some back highway...scared out of my mind. Something like this service would have really helped. I could go on and on...IT'S WORTH IT!!! And if anyone is interested in the Teensurance, please give me a call :).

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K.

Go for it, Stephanie! I think that's an awesome idea. I plan on doing the same thing when my girls can drive, too...

:o),
K.

Hey Stephanie:
I have heard about a similiar program on the radio one morning. The program was launcehd by a teenage mom. Here's how this one works. THere is a sticker on the car with a web address to your email and with your phone number that says tell me how my teen is driving. The mom was talkng on the radio and said that she got a phone call one time on her son. He was going through the toll booths way too fast and someone called her immediately. She also got a phone call on her daughter which was driving too fast and wrecklessly on the freeway THis way, you don't know her exact every move, but are aware when she is messing up. This might be better, and besides, if you are paying for the car, who cares what she thinks. you are the adult and she is a child and if she wants a car she will also have some sort of teensurance. I teach high school, so I totally know what you are going thru. BE firm. I am sure you could google this to find out more about this program. Good luck! :)
One final thought:
I am a young teacher who the kids think are "cool" and they tell me EVERYTHING. Let me just say that kids are pretty durn sneaky and getting smarter than you everyday. You probably shouldn't trust her.

YES, YES, YES!!! My children are all grown now, but how I would have loved a service like this. I would have to recommend it for college as well.

I'd do it in a heartbeat and wouldn't think twice about it. We can trust our children, but we can't trust the world around our children. There will be a time when we turn over our "assignment" to our children to take complete care of themselves, etc. Until that time, Mom, you call the shots & keep your child as safe as you can. She may act like she resents it, but deep down, she will love you for it.

I remember my early driving days as being reckless, clumsy, and some disregard for the road rules. I also remember the awesome sense of freedom that came with being far from my parent's view when driving.

Here's my two cents: Elaborate on the safety features and positives when talking to your daughter. Remind her you're primarily interested in not having the car stolen and providing road side assistance. Tell her you trust her and that this is more for your peace of mind for her safety than anything else. Give it a try, install it, and see what happens. If all goes well, she'll likely forget it's there. I would do it and probably will in 14 years when my son is ready. And I plan to get a small, fuel efficient, low powered car that he can't race in. And no backseat either. :)

I'd absolutely do it. My son is 15 and I'm starting to look into programs like this.

Hello, my name is M. and I too have a child turning 16. She will get hers on Sept. 8. I am getting that on her car also. There is the "friends" issue, they have more power than you. Every new driver make bad dessions and it helps that she knows that you are watching too. I trust my child, but i am young enough to remeber how i was when i got my car.
Good Luck!!!
M. Harris

If my daughter started driving at 16 I would of done that. We had to force her to get her DL at 18. She was scared. As a matter of fact I think I need it more so now cause she gets home too late and with some of her friends I can't really trust she is where I am told. Not a leader....she's more of a follower which bothers me casue me nor her dad are followers. I say go for it...I have 3 (8-3-1)other lil ones that I too have to worry about so that would give me a piece of mind.

Also remember these kids are SOOOOO sneaky...She could tell you she was at so in so house...park her car and get in with someone else and take off. So I kinda do the old fashion drive by...lol My daughter is ONLY allowed to have 1 person in the car with her. Thats a TEXAS STATE LAW for 6 months but mine til she moves out. We made sure this rule never gets broken...she has a jeep with the bk seat taken out....lol

I would just let her know it's for her safty in case it breaks down they will come out and help like Onstar and not mention the fact it a tracking device of where you are and what you are doing....but then again...why tell her anything? Catch her doing wrong...talk to her about it...tell her someone seen her driving fast...then if it continues say well since you want to keep lying to me your forcing me to put a device on your car.