Better Driving Habits With OnStar Smart Driver

Everyone can improve their driving habits. Every year, there are approximately 6 million vehicle accidents in the US, resulting in over 2.6 million injuries. Many of these accidents are due to excessive speed, failing to maintain a proper lookout or driving too fast for conditions. Many have developed bad diving habits of which they are unaware. For some, distracted driving may need improvement. For others, overly aggressive driving might be involved as a part of their daily driving routine. The new OnStar Smart Driver program is designed to help motor vehicle operators identify these bad habits.

How it Works

A car owner using OnStar enrolls in the free Smart Driver program. Newer Buick and GMC models are eligible for Smart Driver. A basic subscription to OnStar Basic Plan is required. If the vehicle is 2014 or newer, the service can transfer to the new owner, or the purchaser of a pre-owned vehicle. On 2011 and newer models, the owner has the option to reactivate the account.

Once enrolled, OnStar will then monitor the vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, fuel efficiency, and miles driven and average miles per hour. The data will then be processed by OnStar and compared to similar data from other drivers enrolled in the program. Each driver will then be assessed a driving score, based on the average speed for the vehicle, the number of fast acceleration events, hard braking events average speed and other factors. The owner will be provided a printout of their driving habits over a 90 day period.

Because the program utilizes GPS technology, OnStar can identify where the fast acceleration and hard braking events occurs. Under the formula established by OnStar, the driver is given a safe driving score. A score of 70-90 is considered good.

Benefits of the Smart Driver Program

As safety comes first, a better driver is less likely to be involved in an accident, reducing the odds of injuring oneself or others. In addition, aggressive driving with jack rabbit starts and hard braking adds to more frequent maintenance. Brakes and tires will need replacement more often and can cause damage to a car’s transmission and suspension parts. Hard acceleration also wastes fuel.

A more immediate benefit to Smart Driver is saving on insurance costs. Several insurance companies, including Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer discounts of up to 30 percent on premiums for safe drivers. Those enrolled in the program will have the option to have their driving data forwarded to their insurer. Eligibility for the discount varies among insurance companies, but those scoring in the 70-90 range should receive a premium discount.