New Service Puts Drivers Under Microscope

As evidenced by the waves of support Graduated Licensing Laws have garnered from parents as well as a recent survey conducted by Allstate, teens behind the wheel and distracted drivers head the list of concerns when it comes to danger on the roads. In hopes of addressing this, Jim Lipjanic developed StreetEyes, a new business that is identifying motor vehicle operators all across the United States whose vehicles will be equipped with cameras that record video, display speed and GPS tracking. Headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, the company is announcing its launch at the national level after having been in development for the past two years.

Monitoring driving behavior is not a new idea; Toyota introduced the first driver monitoring system in 2006 for its Lexus models, and insurers were quick to offer discounts based on the technology. Several high-end car manufacturers soon followed suit; however, recent offerings include more sophisticated technology.

StreetEyes is the latest in technology service providers to address this issue, and will indirectly compete with companies such as MobileTeenGPS. Lipjanic hopes that the video component will result in a competitive advantage.

Drivers who participate will have their driving behavior monitored, and then be able to review the video and react accordingly. StreetEyes plans to target insurance companies with the hope that insurers will see this as an incentive to policyholders by providing discounts for regularly monitored driving of high-risk drivers.

"Being an insurance agent for almost 10 years, I have been dealing with the anguish parents feel about their teens starting to drive," Lipjanic said. The company also hopes to develop partnerships with driving schools and organizations aimed at curbing distracted driving.

"All that is out there now for parents of teens and those concerned about elderly drivers is information. There is nothing to actually help them once they turn the keys over. StreetEyes will actually let you see what drivers are doing on the road, if they are following your rules and expectations," Lipjanic added.