GM details 'Buckle to Drive' lock for teen drivers

As the name indicates, the system does not allow the vehicle to be shifted into gear until the driver seatbelt is secure.

General Motors has expanded its range of teen-driver safety technologies, adding a new 'Buckle to Drive' feature.

The seemingly simple system prevents the driver from shifting out of park for 20 seconds if their seatbelt is not secured, providing a more strict enforcement method than an annoying chime and reminder lights.

"Tragically, teens have among the lowest rates of seat belt use," GM says. "In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of teenagers involved in fatal crashes are unbuckled."

The technology is initially available on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse and must be enabled via the vehicle's Teen Driver mode. The feature will also roll out to the 2020 Malibu and Colorado this summer.