Letting go of your child as they grow is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking - especially when it comes to driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2013 alone saw over 240,000 teens receive emergency room treatment for injuries sustained in vehicle crashes.

The good news is that you can help prevent teen car accidents. If you have a teen driver in your home, here are five powerful tools that will help keep them safe behind the wheel.

1. Dash cams

You may not have eyes in the back of your head, but a dashboard camera can give you eyes on the road whenever your teen is in the car. Constant dash cam supervision will encourage your teen to avoid risky behaviors on the road. If you really want to help your teen nip bad habits in the bud before they result in a costly or tragic accident, establish a regular time to sit down with your young driver and review the dash cam footage. Look for opportunities to praise good behavior, and point out what they can do better to stay safe.

With a teen in the driver's seat, a two-way dash cam is probably the best choice for both monitoring and teaching opportunities - the device can capture what's happening in the driver's seat as well as on the road, all without the hassle of arranging multiple cameras in the vehicle.

2. Safe driving apps

Even though smartphones have been found to contribute to distracted driving, there are actually several apps that can turn that around. There are a wide range of options - from applications that help you monitor your teen driver to programs that improve driving. If your teen has a license and a phone, you need to install some of these apps ASAP.

As a top priority, look for an app that puts your teen's phone in "driving mode" to block alerts, texts, and other notifications for the duration of every drive. Another smart choice might be an app that puts the phone in "hands-free mode," so drivers don't have to take their hands off the wheel - or eyes off the road - to answer a call or get directions. You can also find apps that gather data about your child's driving habits to help you mentor them as their driving skills evolve.

3. GPS trackers

Increase your peace of mind with GPS trackers that keep you informed of your child's driving safety. There are trackers that can be hard-wired into a vehicle and mobile devices that can move with your teen into any car they're driving. Most trackers require a monthly subscription, but there are a variety of plans to meet most budgets.

GPS trackers provide real-time updates about your child's location, speed, acceleration, and braking to your smartphone or mobile device. You can also set speed alerts to notify you when your teen driver exceeds the speeds that you've programmed into the tracker. Keeping a record of the tracker's data also gives you another way to work with your teen to help them make good driving choices.

4. Safe driving websites

A recent report indicates that driver's education reduces crash and traffic violation risk among young drivers. Given this powerful statistic, consider extending your teen's driver's education after they receive their license. Continued instruction and review during the first few months behind the wheel helps solidify safe driving habits that can last a lifetime. And, thanks to the Internet, you have easy access to a treasure trove of safe driving websites to help your teen hone their skills and sharpen their instincts.

There are plenty of online driving resource sites out there, including some that provide safe driving videos to teach teens about the dangers of distracted driving or bad road conditions. You can also find tips for parents to help you know what to watch for as your teen's driving ability develops.

5. Car maintenance apps

Staying safe on the road takes more than knowing what to do behind the wheel - it also involves some basic maintenance under the hood. In order to be truly safe, your teen needs to understand both how to keep their car operating in good condition and what to do when something goes wrong. Fortunately, there are several car maintenance apps that will help your teen prevent and diagnose car issues before they become severe.

In addition to helping out with mechanical problems, some maintenance apps also aid users in finding the nearest gas station or mechanic. Your young driver can even use an app to remember when to get the oil changed and conduct other regular maintenance.

It may not be possible to keep your child from getting behind the wheel, but you can help them do it in the safest way possible. Take advantage of the technical tools and support available as you both make this exciting transition.

The post 5 tools to keep teen drivers safe behind the wheel appeared first on FamilyToday.

When you're brainstorming Valentine's Day gift ideas for your honey, personal security gadgets probably don't come to mind - but maybe they should. After all, what says "I love you" more than a heartfelt investment in your sweetheart's safety?

This year, forgo the fancy dinner and buy your Valentine one of these ingenious products:

1. Health and fitness tracker

Helping your significant other stay healthy has never been easier with the myriad of fitness wearables that have hit the market in the past 2 years. While there are plenty of models available, not all fitness trackers are created equal. Make sure you do your research - there are specialized trackers perfect for swimmers and runners, or more basic models that effectively monitor heart rate, steps taken, and even sleeping patterns.

Some models even allow you to combine your fitness tracker with apps, like If This Then That (IFTTT), to help your significant other stay safe. A simple press of a button can open the garage door, turn on porch lights, or remotely activate a security system.

2. Back country emergency locator

For those who are dating or married to a backcountry enthusiast, an emergency locator can not only be a romantic gift that shows you care, but can also give you peace of mind when your loved one is on a long hike or backpacking trip. Personal Locator Beacons and Satellite Messengers, priced anywhere from $150-$400, allow you to track your adventurer's travels in near real-time and alert the authorities if something goes wrong.

3. Emergency whistle

Whistles are one of the simplest, most affordable personal safety devices available, and make a great gift for both adults and children. They easily slip onto a keychain, or can be carried in a pocket for emergency situations like a fire, assault, or abduction. Most are available in a variety of colors and are even made in glow-in-the-dark options that make it easy to find. To find the best whistle for your Valentine, consider what emergencies are most likely to occur based on their age and lifestyle.

4. Biometric encrypted USB drive

Identity theft is on the rise, and securing your darlings' digital data (and private pictures, emails, and financial documents) has never been so important. Innovative Biometric USB Drives use fingerprint recognition technology to protect unauthorized users from accessing your Valentine's data should they accidentally lose their USB Drive. These ultra-smart flash drives leverage military-grade encryption techniques that meet the most strict data storage requirements, and come in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB options.

5. Home security camera

Security cameras have never been as affordable and easy to install, so consider gifting your heartthrob with a cordless video surveillance camera this V-day. Security cameras can help boost home security and deter intruders, and most can even be integrated with a smart home hub to provide convenient control from a phone or tablet.

6. Smart doorbell

Video doorbells link to your loved one's cellphone and let them see, hear, and talk to anyone who comes calling. Most models allow users to take a picture of their visitor and watch live or recorded video of their front door at any time. So whether your honey is at home or away, a smart doorbell offers real peace of mind.

7. Home breathalyzer

Great for college students and responsible drivers, a home breathalyzer pairs with his or her iOS or Android device to gauge your loved one's blood alcohol content (BAC). If they've had too much to drink, the device estimates how long it will be until they are likely to be sober. Popular models feature a slim, compact design that makes them easy to carry in a purse, stash in a pocket, or attach to a keyring, so your sweetheart never has to wonder whether it's safe to get behind the wheel.

8. Location tracking wearable

If your child is your special someone this Valentine's Day, consider investing in a children's tracking bracelet or watch. These devices use location technology to allow you to monitor your son or daughter remotely using a cell phone application. Many also feature an emergency button that lets kids signal for help if they are in trouble, or a calling feature that lets them dial pre-approved phone numbers if they are lost or abducted.

Choose a model that is appropriate for the size and age of your child, and consider whether you would like to buy a product with a monthly GPS fee or one with a shorter range that relies on Bluetooth.

This Valentine's Day, ditch the cards and candy. Instead, invest in your darling's safety with one of these security gifts that keep on giving.

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