The stories are heartbreaking.
Google the phrase "fatal car crash teenager" or some variation and you will be shocked and saddened by the results.
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"17-Year-Old Killed in Crash;" "One Teen Killed, Three Injured in Single Vehicle Crash;" "High School Senior Dies on Crash on Graduation Day"-- the list goes on far too long.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, citing statistics that show about eight teens died every day due to motor vehicle crashes, and hundreds more were injured in 2020.
Crash deaths among teens 13–19 years of age resulted in about $40.7 billion in medical costs and cost estimates for lives lost that year, the agency said.
The CDC said that some of the factors behind the fatalities include inexperience, failure to use seat belts, distracted driving, speeding and drinking alcohol.
And behind the statistics are devastated families and friends.
Making Safe Driving Fun
Honda (HMC) is looking to cut down on those grim numbers.
The Japanese automaker recently announced the creation of the new Honda Driver Coaching smartphone app, designed to help improve the skills of new drivers and promote safe driving practices.
Honda Driver Coaching, ,which is free to download from the Apple (AAPL) App Store, combines exclusive access to the vehicle's onboard computer to deliver detailed, real time driving analysis with a game component "to ensure the lessons are fun and engaging," the company said.
The new Honda Driver Coaching app is compatible with many new and prior model year Honda and Acura models equipped with Apple CarPlay.
Once the app is installed and the driver’s iPhone is connected to the vehicle, the Honda Driver Coaching app analyzes driver inputs including steering, braking, and acceleration in real time, instructing the driver when they need assistance.
When the lesson is complete, a calculated driving score allows users to track their progress, along with a summary of their drive with specific driving tips.
Taking 'Meaningful Action'
Users can also sharpen their skills by watching the app's library of driver training videos on their smartphone when they are not driving.
“We created the Honda Driver Coaching app to take meaningful action to address a critical issue – that nearly one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities involve drivers under 25 years of age,” MJ Foxley, Safety Strategy Leader of American Honda Motor Co., said in a statement.
“With schools getting out and summer driving season just around the corner, we hope our new Honda Driver Coaching app can positively influence young drivers and the safety of everyone sharing the road,” he said.
The app will work with the following Honda models: the 2019-2020 Honda Civic, 2018-2022 Honda Insight, 2018-2020 and 2023 or newer Honda Accord, 2023 or newer Honda HR-V, 2020 or newer Honda CR-V, and 2023 or newer Honda Pilot. It will also work with the 2023 or newer Acura Integra.
The company, which operates crash-test facilities in Ohio and Japan, has a goal of zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.
