LANSING — Sheriffs across Michigan are tattling on irresponsible young drivers. 

The program known as STOPPED - Sheriffs Telling Our Parents & Promoting Educated Drivers - has spread from seven to 24 counties, giving sheriffs and parents a new and closer relationship.

Funded by AAA and organized by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association (MSA), it allows law enforcement officials to notify parents when their teens are pulled over in cars owned by their parents.

Participating parents put decals on cars used by under-21 drivers, and the cars are registered in a central database with the family’s information so parents can be quickly notified when their young drivers are stopped.  Parental participation is voluntary.

“We’re hoping we can create some accountability and to help young people make some smart decisions when they’re behind the wheel of a car,” MSA special advisor Robert Noordhoek said.  “Most young people don’t have the experience of the foresight to know exactly what to do in driving situations.”

While only seven counties were able to participate last year, every sheriff was offered a chance to receive funding from AAA this year, according to MSA communications coordinator Jennifer Smith-Zande.

Macomb County chose not to participate in the program. Sheriff Mark Hackel says he has a lot of questions to ask before considering the program.

“I have concerns telling parents about their adult teens,” Hackel said.  “If I were to arrest them for home invasion, larceny or for stealing, I don’t call their parents to tell them that either.  These 20-and-21-year-olds are adults and it’s their responsibility to inform parents.”

The Macomb and Lapeer county sheriffs have not joined the program, while St. Clair County joined this year.

Eastpointe residents Larry and Kathy Wojciechowski are the parents of Bryan, 20, and Aimee, 16.  They recall when Bryan was a new driver and didn’t tell them he was pulled over until he was going to court, and they say the program would be a great idea for newly-licensed Aimee.

“You would be able to control how they behave in a car,” Kathy said.  “Knowing that a sticker is on the car, they would be more cautious and alert to what they’re doing.”

Smith-Zande said the program forces young drivers to communicate better with their parents about their driving habits:

“Most of the time, if tickets are paid and taken care of, young drivers don’t have to tell their parents if they were pulled over or received a violation.”

The most recent national survey by Students Against Drunk Drivers in 2000 said 75 percent of teens wouldn’t tell their parents if they were pulled over for any reason.

The program will ensure that parents are notified even if their children receive a warning without a ticket, Smith-Zande said.

“There is a big discrepancy between what parents think is happening on the road and what’s actually happening.  Most parents think, ‘that is my kid; nothing will happen.’”