How to use new technology to keep your teen driver safe

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There was a time when frank talk and sharing frightening statistics were the most parents could do to keep their teen drivers safe behind the wheel. Indeed, the statistics are quite frightening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers who are 20 and older.

Research has shown that relative to older drivers, teens are more likely to underestimate dangerous situations, and they're less proficient at recognizing hazards. Furthermore, U.S. Department of Transportation data shows that young people are more likely to text and talk while behind the wheel.

These days, technology has provided parents of teen drivers with additional ways to encourage safe driving behaviors. Many new cars, such as the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, come with features designed to protect teen drivers and give parents a measure of oversight regarding their activities on the road.

The redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu allows parents to set speed alerts and limit audio volume, and it even provides trip reports so parents can analyze driving behavior and use this as a starting point for constructive discussions with their teens.

Nearly every car company offers similar technology. Sometimes these services are free, such as Ford’s MyKey system and Kia’s UVO eServices setup, while most others require a monthly or annual subscription beyond a free, initial trial period. This technology is a godsend if you're purchasing a new car, but for many parents of new drivers, a used vehicle is the only affordable choice. Since these safety features for teens are recent developments, they're not available on most used cars.

Certain aftermarket alternatives are available to fill this gap. One option is to get a tracking system.

One such system is Voxx Carlink ASCL4. It plugs into your vehicle's onboard diagnostics port and links with your smartphone via Bluetooth. This system is compatible with vehicles made after 1996, and it provides useful teen-driver features such as speed monitoring. It also allows access to the ZoomSafer smartphone app that prevents your teen from texting and emailing while driving.

The Voxx Carlink ASCL4 costs $279.99, and a monthly subscription is required. Basic plans cost $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

One of the most recent aftermarket solutions on the teen-driver front is Hum by Verizon. Hum is comprised of three parts: a module plugging into your vehicle's on-board diagnostics port; a speaker clipped to your car's visor to facilitate hands-free calling; and a smartphone app available for both Android and iOS.

Hum allows you to set an alert that sends a message to your phone if your teen driver exceeds a certain speed, and it offers vehicle location tracking giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your teen is at all times. This tool also allows you to set certain boundaries for your teen driver, and if those boundaries are exceeded, you'll receive notification. As with Voxx Carlink ASCL4, Hum is compatible with vehicles made since 1996.

A Hum subscription will cost you $10 per month and requires a two-year subscription. There is a one-time, $20 activation fee and a $29.99 equipment charge. The company is currently offering a summer deal reimbursing new subscribers for their activation fee, equipment charge and three months of service.

Both Hum and Voxx Carlink ASCL4 aid you and your teen driver with features such as roadside assistance, crash detection and maintenance reminders.

— Warren Clarke, Daily News Autos