General Motors has unveiled its new Chevy Malibu, which will have built-in features that report teens’ driving statistics to their parents. The car will identify teens with specific keys that are programmed to link with this new feature.

Safety precautions can be set by parents such as a maximum volume for the radio; however the radio will not turn on if the front seat belt is not clicked in. The vehicle will send the statistics it gains to parents via a virtual report card. This report card details speeds, forward collision alerts and even how many times the anti-lock-brake system had to be implemented.

All of these features may seem invasive to students, but GM believes it will become a useful learning resource.

“We developed this system so parents could use it as a teaching tool with their kids,” MaryAnn Beebe, a Chevrolet safety engineer said in a release from General Motors.

Chevrolet wants teens to be able to talk to their parents about their driving skills and improve, making a safer driving environment for everyone. Some students are not so sure that this is a good idea.

“I don’t like that,” junior Sam Wills said. “I think a car is your area of control.”

Teens will get audible as well as visual warnings if they exceed speed limits set by their parents; however, this does not actually stop the teen from speeding. It is their decision whether or not to abide by the rules.

“I guess it is a good idea for your parents’ sake, not for your sake,” junior Erin Limbacher said, adding that she would use the technology if she were a parent.

Although the report card feature is new, Chevy has been using its MyKey service since 2013. The technology used the specific keys that tracked teen drivers to block calls on Bluetooth connected phones.

“Maybe if it’s used for a 15-year-old and they just got their permit I can see it working,” senior Aran McDermott said. “But once they get their license they don’t need that.”

Chevy intends to make this a consistent feature in future vehicles and time will tell how much safer roads will become with it implemented.

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