WARNING: Very old post and out of date.
I saw this article on motoring.co.uk (dead link), which announces that the AA is launching a device called the “Drivesafe Box” to help young drivers.
Apparently, the box is about the size of a pack of playing cards, according to the piece, and it records the speed, types of roads travelled, time of day, and so on. The owner of the car can then log on to a website and monitor how they are performing.
The AA says that most people can improve their driving and the Drivesafe Box can help them to do it.
The device also provides crash, theft, and breakdown alerts, and the AA says parents will be interested in these features.
The story is a little confusing, because the Drivesafe appears to be very similar to the Co-op’s Smartbox (which they don’t do anymore), which is specifically designed to lower insurance premiums through the Co-op. However, although the AA spokesperson is director of AA Insurance, there is no specific mention of reduced premiums from the AA – but at the end of the article they say…
The new AA Drivesafe will identify the safest drivers and reward them.
They – that is, motoring.co.uk – really ought to clear that up, but either way it is an excellent application of technology. Until these things are mandatory for all new drivers, though. they’re always going to seem a little gimmicky – but that’s not to take anything away from either the Drivesafe or the Smartbox. I think they’re brilliant.
When I searched the AA’s site, it is clear that having a box fitted (link also no longer correct) IS part of a reduced insurance premiums plan.
As I said, a great idea. It HAS to be made mandatory.