The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) approved anEsurance program that allows policyholders to install a free devicein their cars that prevents teens from texting or calling whiledriving.

Under the voluntary program, policyholders can use the devicealong with an Esurance app installed on their teen driver's phoneto block specific cell-phone activities when the car is moving,such as text, email, application usage and phone calls to anynumber except 911.

Parents can also use the technology to monitor driving behavior,including speeding, hard braking, fast acceleration and otheractivities. Parents can log onto an Esurance web portal tocustomize the device and review their teens' driving habits.

"We are pleased that Governor Cuomo, Superintendent Lawsky, andthe State of New York have approved our teen driver safetyprogram," says Esurance president and CEO Gary Tolman. "EsuranceDriveSafe can empower parents with smart, innovative technology tohelp their teens become safer, more responsible drivers."

Cell phone related crashes rose by nearly 143% in New York Statefrom 2005 to 2011, compared to an 18% decrease in alcohol-relatedcrashes.

Drivers under the age of 20 have the largest proportion ofdistracted-driver related crashes, reports the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration. For drivers between 15 and 19 yearsold involved in fatal crashes, 21% were distracted by their cellphones.

"I applaud Esurance for using innovative technology todiscourage texting while driving, which could help preventaccidents and save lives," says Benjamin M. Lawsky, superintendentof financial services. "We encourage other insurers to considerusing this type of technology–known as 'telematics'–to help reducedistracted driving and hold down premiums over the long term."