Statistics can be frightening things, especially if you’re the parent of a teenager who drives.
Did you know that 15 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a teen driver?
Or that traffic crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities?
Facts like that concern Oxford resident Stefanie Deeg because her oldest daughter, Maurgan, a freshman at the high school, will soon be starting driver’s education.
‘It’s scary,? she said.
That’s why Deeg has a light blue bumper sticker on her van asking everyone ‘How’s My Driving??
People can answer by calling 1-888-99-2REPORT or by logging on to www.report2mom.com.
Founded by Deeg’s sister, Kelli Williams, who lives in Coral Springs, Florida, Report2Mom is a brand new company whose mission is to monitor teen drivers.
The idea is simple ? if a person sees a vehicle with one of these stickers speeding, driving recklessly or disobeying traffic laws, they can report the incident on-line or via the toll-free phone number. Either the vehicle’s license plate number or the unique number on the bumper sticker can be reported .
‘Driving is a privilege, not a right,? said Deeg, who’s now a partner in Report2Mom. ‘And if you’re going to let your kids drive, you should be able to monitor them.?
Within 24 hours of a report, an e-mail alert is sent to parents notifying them of the incident. They can then log on to their account at www.report2mom.com to review a full report of what happened.
‘GPS tracking systems just tell you where you’re kids are, it’s not telling you how they’re driving,? Deeg said. The company charges a $49.95 annual fee for a bumper sticker and one year of monitoring. Additional vehicles, up to two, cost $10 a year each.
‘I think if kids had it on their cars, they’d be more responsible,? Deeg said. ‘We’re just looking out for them. It’s not a punishment.?
‘I know a lot of kids in Oxford and I just want them to be safe. I want them to think about it,? she noted.
Everyday, Deeg drives from the middle school to the high school to pick up her kids. ‘I see how the kids are driving,? she said.
A lack of driving experience combined with the typical teen attitude of ‘nothing’s going to happen to me? can make for a dangerous combination on the road, in Deeg’s opinion.
Parents who see the light blue sticker on a vehicle driving poorly can contact Report2Mom without identifying themselves.
‘It’s a support system that remains anonymous,? Deeg said. ‘Some parents don’t want to tell on other people’s kids.?
Even teens can file reports without looking like a narc. ‘If they’re uncomfortable with their friend’s driving, they can remain anonymous,? Deeg said.
Subdivisions and neighborhoods looking to slow down teen drivers who speed through should consider the Report2Mom stickers as an alternative to things like speed bumps and additional stop signs, according to Deeg.
A resident of Oxford Lakes for 15 years, she hears all the speeding complaints at the subdivision’s association meetings.
‘It’s always a big thing about the kids driving fast through the neighborhood,? Deeg said. ‘We live right on Oxford Lake Drive, so I see it.?
The bumper stickers would provide ‘another way? to help slow down teen drivers.
Having the sticker can even make adults more conscious and safe drivers.
‘Just having the bumper sticker on my car, as an adult, has made me more aware,? Deeg said. ‘It makes you stop and think. Am I going the speed limit? Am I making full stops??
‘So far I haven’t gotten any calls, but I’d really be interested to see if I did,? she noted. ‘Adults don’t always drive that great either.?
For more info about Report2Mom call (954) 344-5302 or e-mail Report2Mom@gmail.com.
Parents can enroll at www.report2mom.com.
Deeg does have a supply of the bumper stickers and can enroll people locally. She can be reached at (248) 969-2890.
‘I want to get the stickers recognized,? Deeg said. ‘I don’t know how anybody can knock it. It’s a good tool to help our kids.?