Keeping Your Teen Safe: The Top Apps for Tracking New Drivers

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your teenager’s safety when they start driving on their own. The statistics show that teenagers aged 16 to 19 have the highest rate of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Distracted Drivers, inexperience, excessive speed, and intoxication are common factors contributing to these accidents. So, how can you ensure your teen’s safety when they hit the road without you in the passenger seat?

In this article, we’ll explore the top apps that not only track your teen’s location but also provide crucial insights into their driving behavior. These apps offer features like real-time location sharing, speed monitoring, phone distraction alerts, and even accident notifications. We’ll also delve into the legality and privacy considerations of tracking your teen’s driving. Let’s empower you with the knowledge to keep your teen safe on the road.

Why Do You Need an App to Track Your Teen Driver?

According to the CDC, teenagers aged 16 to 19 have the highest rate of motor vehicle accidents compared to other age groups. In fact, vehicle-related accidents are one of the leading causes of mortality among teenagers in the U.S. Some of the most common reasons for accidents among new teenage drivers include distracted driving, inexperience, excessive speed, and intoxication.

The best apps automatically alert you if your teen driver gets into an accident and requests medical services. Some tracking apps also offer 24/7 roadside assistance.

Most apps have an option that lets your teen driver share their real-time location with you. If you’re concerned about privacy, you should know that, in the United States, it’s legal to install a tracking device in a vehicle registered in your name (via NCSL). Some states also allow you to track your minor’s vehicle secretly, but asking for consent is recommended.

Alternatively, you could also install apps to find your parked car, although a specialized tracking app has more features.

The Top Apps for Tracking Your Teen Driver

Let’s look at the best apps you can use to track your new teen driver:

1. Life 360

Life 360 is one of the most popular apps for parents to track teenage drivers.

tracks your child’s location but also informs you of their driving behavior, including speed, phone distraction, hard braking, and acceleration. The app even sends automatic messages and SOS alerts in case of an accident. While it’s free, premium packages with added features are available.

Download: Life 360 for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. FamiSafe

FamiSafe offers real-time location tracking, speed monitoring, and alerts for distracted driving. You can also upgrade to a monthly plan for additional features.

Download: FamiSafe for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. Bouncie

Bouncie relies on a tracker device inserted into your car’s OBD port for data transmission. It provides real-time location, driving behavior insights, and even monitors your vehicle’s health. The monthly service fee covers various roadside assistance options.

Download: Bouncie for Android | iOS ($8 monthly subscription required)

4. Tesla App

If you own a Tesla, you can track and monitor your teen driver directly through the Tesla mobile app. You can control speed limits, receive alerts, and even view the vehicle’s surroundings when parked.

Download: Tesla app for Android | iOS (Free)

5. Hum by Verizon

Hum by Verizon includes an OBD reader, Bluetooth speaker, Wi-Fi hotspot, and car charger. The app provides real-time location tracking, driving habit reports, and car-related reminders.

Download: Hum by Verizon for Android | iOS (Free, premium subscription available)

6. Apple Watch Family Set Up

For those who prefer a more integrated solution, consider the Apple Watch Family Setup. It allows real-time location tracking, alerts, and even crash detection with compatible devices.

Note: The Apple Watch Family Setup may require specific Apple Watch and iPhone models.

Not All Cars Need Third-Party Tracking Apps: If you drive a car model built after 2020, you may not need a third-party app to track your teen driver, as many modern vehicles offer smartphone digital keys for location tracking.

In conclusion, tracking apps offer a valuable tool for ensuring your teen’s safety on the road. They provide real-time information on their whereabouts and driving behavior, giving you peace of mind as a parent. Whether you opt for a dedicated tracking app or utilize built-in features in modern vehicles, taking proactive steps to monitor your teen driver can significantly contribute to their safety.

Remember, it’s not about invading their privacy but rather about keeping them safe during their critical early years of driving.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Always respect legal and ethical guidelines when tracking a vehicle and ensure open communication with your teen driver.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the need for tracking apps for teen drivers and highlighted the top options available to parents. Safety should always be the priority when it comes to new teenage drivers, and these apps offer an effective way to ensure their well-being on the road. Whether you choose a feature-rich app like Life 360 or opt for the integration of Apple Watch Family Setup, you have the tools to keep your teen safe during this crucial phase of their life.

Remember, as a parent, your role isn’t just to supervise but also to educate and support your teen in becoming a responsible and safe driver. Embrace the technology available to you, and let it be a means to enhance their driving experience, not hinder it.

James Dolan is a passionate advocate for teen driver safety, bringing years of experience in the field. His dedication to providing valuable insights on tracking apps stems from his commitment to ensuring the well-being of young drivers.