Frequently Asked Questions

Steer Straight does not share any member information with outside sources.

When should a parent begin talking to their children about driving?

Start talking with your teen when they're 12 or 13 about how to become a safe passenger. It's also important what you "model" for your kids. Look at your own driving. Are you speeding? Are you talking on a cell phone? Are you texting? Are you eating? Seatbelts are crucial; they're important for everyone in the car - do you always wear your seatbelt? The population that has the lowest use of seatbelts is teens. It's very important to know that when parents don't wear seatbelts, their children don't wear seatbelts. Parents can help their kids stay safe. Have conversations with your children about smart and safe driving, and set good examples through your own good driving behavior.

What is the “optimal” time for our family to become a Steer Straight member?

There is no "perfect time" or "right time" to join Steer Straight. If possible, we recommend joining when your teen begins taking Drivers Ed or when your teen is first getting their license. A parent thinks that when a teen gets their license, they're ready to drive on their own. The greatest risk for teens is the first twelve months, and the first 1,000 miles of driving. And if you have missed that window, or it is not possible to join at that time, it's OK. Any time during the teen driving years is a good time. Remember teens as a population aged 15 - 20 are all at high risk and have the highest rate of fatal crashes relative to other age groups, three times the risk of an adult. The number of drivers involved in fatal crashes aged 15 - 20 totaled 7,463 in 2006. Immaturity, lack of experience and distractions are the main factors leading to the high crash rate among teens. They can't detect hazards; they don't have built-up memory to respond to the hazard. Distractions such as cell phones, texting, eating and loud music all contribute to a greatly increased crash rate. When there are multiple passengers in the car the crash risk is 3 to 5 times greater than driving alone. When teens drive other teens, they tend to drive faster than other motorists and they speed more frequently. Additionally, allow your kids to get out of dangerous situations. Teens have to save face. They want to fit in. The Steer Straight sticker helps with the transition and development of the new driver. The sticker offers teens help in dealing with difficult situations and/or the pressures associated with teen driving. The sticker encourages accountability, responsible driving and empowers the teen to THINK behind the wheel.

In order to become a Steer Straight member, do I need to live in a certain location?

NO. Steer Straight is a national company. The home office is in Massachusetts, but membership is not limited to this state. We have members from the East Coast to the West Coast, and offer memberships outside the United States. Locations and time zones are not a factor. Our toll free number and customer service representatives operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Who answers the 1-877-Steer17 calls?

Steer Straight has partnered with Driver Check, based in Atlanta, GA. Driver Check was the first and is the most experienced provider of safety-enhancement services in the commercial trucking industry also recognized by its familiar “How’s My Driving” decal. Driver Check’s proprietary software runs on two powerful Sun computers – a V880 and a 4000. The Driver Check in-house call center Customer Service Representatives (CSR's) answer the calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These CSR’s are highly trained and experienced in handling compliments and complaints. The average speed of answer is less than 3 seconds, and the CSR’s are professional and courteous when obtaining the specifics for each Observation Report.

What’s to keep someone from calling in a false report on my teen?

Callers are informed that “this call is being recorded” which causes most prank phone-ins to disconnect. If not, our Customer Service Representatives (CSR’s) are trained to ask the appropriate questions to determine if the call is valid. Driver Check’s statistics show that less than one percent of the reports they receive are false, and as many as 10 percent of reports are compliments.

If I receive an Observation Report on my teen, what should I do?

Talking with your teen upon receiving an Observation Report lets your teen know that safety is the priority. As part of the counseling process you should have your teen take the appropriate Steer Straight “Teen Test Drive” and optional test, which follows. By logging on to the website and using your User ID and Password you can access this on- line training available 24/7, in both English and Spanish. Educational modules include: National Safety Council Collision-Prevention Tips, Aggressive Driving, Distracted Driving, Improper Lane Change, Red Lights and Stop Signs, Speeding, Tailgating, and Impaired Driving.

Does an observation report affect my family's car insurance?

No. Steer Straight believes in protecting the privacy of its members. Steer Straight does not share member information.

What if my sticker becomes illegible or we purchase a new vehicle?

No problem. You can purchase a new sticker at anytime. Mail a check in the amount of $15.95 ($10 sticker fee plus $5.95 shipping and handling) to: Steer Straight, Babson Park, P.O. Box 57085, Wellesley, MA 02457. Please include your name, mailing address and current sticker ID #.

Any changes in your personal information must be updated by the member family. Log-in to http://steerstraight.com , access your membership by entering your User Name and Password, then click on Edit Profile and make the necessary changes. It is the responsibility of the member family to keep personal information/profile up to date.

How can a “How’s My TEEN Driving?” sticker on a vehicle make a difference?

Stickers remind drivers to drive responsibly, encourage accountability, and empower one to think behind the wheel. Stickers can offer help in dealing with difficult situations and/or the “peer pressures” associated with teen driving.

“The Steer Straight, Teen Driver Protection Program, helps alert parents about basic driving skills and situations your teen is having difficulties with. Any feedback you receive gives you the ability to sit down with your teen and properly educate them so they are aware of potential hazards and help them to make better decisions on the roadways before an accident occurs. This is not about lack of trust, but rather a partnership with your teen in learning how to become a safe and responsible driver. The Steer Straight “How’s My TEEN Driving?” program is built on the same basic principles that have been effective for over 20 years in helping commercial fleets reduce their accident rates by as much as 50%. By creating awareness and providing the necessary tools to properly educate and train new teen drivers, everyone is better informed and the results are a safer driving experience.”
Jeff Maiden, VP Sales, Driver Check, Atlanta, Georgia