The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) approved an Esurance program that allows policyholders to install a free device in their cars that prevents teens from texting or calling while driving.
Under the voluntary program, policyholders can use the device along with an Esurance app installed on their teen driver's phone to block specific cell-phone activities when the car is moving, such as text, email, application usage and phone calls to any number except 911.
Parents can also use the technology to monitor driving behavior, including speeding, hard braking, fast acceleration and other activities. Parents can log onto an Esurance web portal to customize the device and review their teens' driving habits.
"We are pleased that Governor Cuomo, Superintendent Lawsky, and the State of New York have approved our teen driver safety program," says Esurance president and CEO Gary Tolman. "Esurance DriveSafe can empower parents with smart, innovative technology to help their teens become safer, more responsible drivers."
Cell phone related crashes rose by nearly 143% in New York State from 2005 to 2011, compared to an 18% decrease in alcohol-related crashes.
Drivers under the age of 20 have the largest proportion of distracted-driver related crashes, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For drivers between 15 and 19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21% were distracted by their cell phones.
"I applaud Esurance for using innovative technology to discourage texting while driving, which could help prevent accidents and save lives," says Benjamin M. Lawsky, superintendent of financial services. "We encourage other insurers to consider using this type of technology–known as 'telematics'–to help reduce distracted driving and hold down premiums over the long term."
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