FEBRUARY 2002

Teen Driving Program Kicks Off

Insurers could save more than $3.2 billion thanks to a recently launched program aimed at reducing the number of teenage motor vehicle accidents across North America.

Profiled in the June issue of MIF Notes, the I Promise Program officially kicked off its campaign on January 21, 2002. The program has received endorsements from medical, law enforcement and transportation groups and associations across North America.

The I Promise Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to reduce auto crashes involving teens. Parents and teens complete a mutual safe driving contract that details appropriate driving behavior. A “How’s my driving?” decal is then placed in the rear window of the car, enabling other drivers to report bad driver behavior to parents.

“We all change our driving behavior when we know there’s a radar trap. So imagine knowing that any member of the community could make a call on your behalf – you’re going to drive differently,” said Gary Direnfeld, Executive Director of the I Promise Program.

In recent years, graduated licensing programs adopted in states across the nation, including Michigan, have worked to reduce the number of automobile crashes involving teens. However, despite these improvements, teenagers still account for a substantial number of automobile crashes and fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the economic cost of police-reported crashes involving teenage drivers in 1999 was $32.2 billion.

The I Promise Program is modeled after a similar commercial vehicle initiative. Direnfeld noted the commercial vehicle program has produced a 22 percent drop in accidents, and a 53 percent reduction in claims dollars spent. He hopes the I Promise Program will generate similar results

.

“Considering this, reaching a modest 10 percent crash reduction would be a $3.2 billion savings to the industry.”

Direnfeld said. Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company is the first insurer to endorse the program. Dominion recently applied to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to provide a rate reduction for those teens that participate in the I Promise Program. “We are still trying to break through to the American insurers, but we are hopeful.

Insurance companies are involved with virtually every new teen driver, and have a substantial interest in reducing the costly claims associated with this group,” Mr. Direnfeld said. “The simple act of mailing a program brochure with the insurance certificate would contribute greatly to the success of the program.”

The I Promise Program offers insurers an opportunity to join in a mutually beneficial partnership with the parents of teenage drivers.

“The program’s goal of reducing the number of teenage injuries and deaths and reducing insurer losses is a worthy one,” stated Doug Cruce, President of the Michigan Insurance Federation. “I encourage insurers to consider their role in this endeavor.”

Interested companies can access detailed program information at www.ipromiseprogram.com .

Contact Information:

Gary Direnfeld, Executive Director
I Promise Program
20 Suter Crescent,
Dundas, Ontario, Canada
L9H 6R5

(905) 628-4847
gary123@sympatico.ca
www.ipromiseprogram.com