Michigan parents can track teen traffic stops

HOWELL (AP) -- Parents in Michigan can keep track of how their young drivers are performing behind the wheel when they're not in the car with them. The Michigan Sheriffs' Association says more than 16,000 vehicles are registered in a program called STOPPED, which stands for Sheriffs Telling Our Parents and Promoting Educated Drivers. The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus reported that parents who participate in the free program are given stickers to place on the inside of the front windshields of their teens' cars. When a young motorist driving a vehicle with the sticker is stopped by a sheriff's deputy, his or her parents will be sent a letter with details even if a ticket is not issued. "There's no down side to the STOPPED program," said Terry Jungel, head of the sheriffs' group and the former sheriff in Ionia County. "It puts law enforcement in concert with parents in helping them enforce their rules. It gives the law enforcement officer opportunity to correct behavior without issuing a ticket." Hartland and Pinckney high schools in Livingston County require students who drive to school to have their vehicles registered in the STOPPED program. "From the law enforcement standpoint, it's an educational process for kids and parents," Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said. "Young drivers are more apt to make mistakes." Parents can register a vehicle at http://michigansheriff.com. Published: Wed, Sep 28, 2011