Happy Holidays from AutoHabits!

We wish each of you and your families a wonderful and cheerful holiday season!  As we reflect back on the past year, we are thankful for the health and safety of our families most of all.

Within our AutoHabits team, we're entering into the "driving phase" of life as well.  Some of our own children are reaching that driving age, and the mission of AutoHabits becomes even more personal.  We love our children, but know that there are new learnings and opportunities to explore (and push) boundaries.  We're grateful that today's technology provides for systems like our AutoHabits so we can "be there without being there".  Gives us some real peace-of-mind.

Enjoy the holidays, and please be safe!

The AutoHabits Team

PRIVACY...just between you and your driver!

Whose watching your driver?  Just you.

An AutoHabits Device connects directly to the car's computer through the OBDII (On Board Diagnostic) port of the vehicle.  This is typically below the steering wheel, down by the pedals.  This OBDII port is required for all cars manufactured since 1996, it makes it easy for mechanics and others to synch up the car's computers and diagnosis problems and receive data.  The AutoHabits Device also includes a sophisticated GPS location chip, as well as the ability to send data through the airways like a cell phone.

With all that data, who's looking at it?  Just you.

AutoHabits does not share data with any parties for marketing or other reasons.  As parents ourselves, we strongly believe in the importance of creating a trusting relationship between yourself and your teenage driver.  The AutoHabits System was created to provide real-time driving information for parents so they could reinforce postive driving behavior, or immediately address areas of concern for their teenage driver.

Please view AutoHabits Privacy Policies at:  http://autohabits.com/policies#privacy

or contact us if you have any questions or issues about how data is protected and shared.

Safe Driving!

SPEEDING is still a DEADLY ISSUE for TEEN DRIVERS!

"I like to go fast!" 

It's a thrill to be behind the wheel, we still like it as adults.  Remember back when you were a new driver...and now that person is your teenage son or daughter.

"How fast is my teenager going"? is the number one question that parents ask, and what an AutoHabits system can answer.  Because AutoHabits is real-time tracking with GPS accuracy, parents can know when excessive speeds are being pushed by their young driver.  And, through the simple AutoHabits Dashboard summary report, the highest speed driven for that week is clearly noted so issues can be addressed.  Through AutoHabits online or mobile phone access, parents can receive text alerts whenever speed thresholds are exceeded to know immediately if unsafe driving behavior is happening.

Why does everyone want to watch their speed?  Because SPEED is a significant factor in teen crashes, up to 33% of the accidents reported in 2011 according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Parents can take steps to help teenage drivers be safe.  By using an AutoHabits monitoring system, teenagers know their parents care (yes, some may not like it at first that's true...but honestly, those are the teenagers who most likely could benefit from a more careful watchful eye - don't you agree?).

Be Safe.  Stay within the speed limits.  And please get an AutoHabits system for your teenage driver now!  It's that important.

ROAD TRIP...Where are you going?

It's Summer!  Yeah!

That means road trip season.  Are you escaping the heat?  Going to the beach?  Visiting friends?  Or just plain ole getting away for a breather?

Gas it up, and stop every once in awhile to smell the roses and stretch your legs. 

Be sure to have your Autohabits plugged in to help track your adventure.

Where are you going?  Let us know.

A Watchful Eye Saves Lives

Behaviors change when you’re being watched….most often for the better.  It’s natural to let poor habits get the better of you when you’re all alone.  But when mom or dad is watching, it’s a different story.

Now you can be in the passenger seat….whenever the car is being driven!  A discrete AutoHabits Device plugged into the car’s OBDII port (by the brake pedal) is an easy way for parent’s to keep that watchful eye at all times. 

And by using AutoHabits text alerting capabilities, information is always in real-time.

Stay safe kids….we’re watching!

Survey: Younger drivers more likely to be drowsy on road

This was the headline of a recent newspaper article that caught our eye.  Much attention is given to the dangers of drinking and driving, but "drowsy" does not seem to get the attention it also deserves.  This article in the USA Today by Larry Copeland (Nov. 10, 2012) cited a number of stats from a new survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

"One in 7 licensed drivers (age 16 to 24) admits to having nodded off behind the wheel at least once in the past year".  It goes on to say that "drowsy driving is a factor in an estimated 1 in 6 fatal crashes in the USA".

Driving a car is a major responsibility that many just take for granted.  Being responsible behind the wheel is important and a must. 

Please be sure to remind your family members, friends, and those you are concerned about NOT to drive while under the influence...and NOT to drive when they are tired.

It matters.  Please drive safe.

A friendly reminder from your team at AutoHabits.

Upcoming National Teen Driver Safety Week

Mark your calendars for the 6^th annual National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW), which takes place October 14-20, 2012.  The theme this year is “Share, Not Scare”, an important approach for parents to remember.

 

When talking to your teenager about driving, be sure to follow the NTDSW suggested tips (http://www.teendriversource.org)

 

·        Focus on the positive

·        Engage rather than offend

·        Empower rather than scare

 

Put Yourself in the Passenger Seat