Esurance Aims to Help Prevent Teen Texting and Driving

Esurance in December launched a new telematics program designed to help prevent teens from texting while driving.

The program is called “DriveSafe.” Under this new voluntary program, Esurance policyholders may install an in-car device into their teen’s car that — in conjunction with an Esurance smartphone app installed on their teen driver’s phone — can limit the use of text, email, application usage, and phone calls when the car is in motion (with the exception of 911).

Esurance, part of Allstate Corp., is providing the DriveSafe device free of charge to policyholders with teen drivers 15-19 years of age who are listed on the policy.

The device can also 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.

“Esurance DriveSafe can empower parents with smart, innovative technology to help their teens become safer, more responsible drivers,” said Esurance CEO Gary Tolman. Policyholders can obtain more information about the program — including vehicle and phone compatibility — by contacting Esurance.

In the Northeast, the program is available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island.