jackiedoherty.org

Well, now you can find out. As the parent of a too-soon-to-be driver, I was thrilled to read in yesterday’s Boston Globe about a new program “Steer Straight” that provides parents with a way to monitor their teen drivers. Created by two moms, it is modeled after commercial-driver programs that use bumper stickers asking “How is my driving?” and a call-in number to report inappropriate commercial drivers. Since car accidents are the leading cause of death in young people, the notion of checking up on your teen’s driving habits with a similar program makes sense. The bumper stickers for Steer Straight read “How is my teen driving?” along with a phone number and vehicle-identification number a caller uses to report the driver. The call is taped, and the information relayed to the teen’s parents via a call-in center. The program, which costs $99 a year, provides parents with two bumper stickers and access to the call-in results. For inexperienced drivers, it’s an incentive to take care on the road, and for worried parents, some peace of mind. Months ago, I wrote a post about the crackdown on young drivers and specifically a friend’s teen who received harsh punishment for going eight miles over the speed limit on city streets (a 90-day license suspension, two classes, a $500 reinstatement fee, and other fines). The Steer Straight program, although not necessarily punitive (depending of course on the reaction of the parents), is a small price to pay for safer driving. Now wouldn’t it be great if we could get a break on the excessive under-25 insurance rates too?