According to Pew Research Center, a third of teens who are 16 or 17 years old and who use a cell phone to send text messages report doing so while driving. Half of this group report talking on their cell phones while driving.
Phone Apps to Combat Distracted Driving and Prevent Auto Accidents
Staying safe behind the wheel while traveling with a cell phone is easier said than done. Particularly if you are a teenager. But apps are available that can help drivers avoid using their cell phones while driving.
CellControl
This app is designed to disable only the driver’s phone, allowing others in the vehicle to use their phones normally. CellControl can be set up to prevent texting, taking selfies, posting on social media, playing games, and other dangerous distractors. Parents can also use the app to keep tabs on whether teens are using their phones responsibly. CellControl is available for iOS, Android, and other platforms.
DriveMode
Founded in 2014 by Zipcar and Tesla Motors entrepreneurs, DriveMode is a free app for both iPhone and Android that will muzzle text message alerts and phone calls. The app allows drivers to reply to a message, select music, and navigate without looking at the screen by using broad swipes, taps, or voice control.
Drive Safe.ly
Drive Safe.ly is equipped to read and respond aloud to text and email messages, Facebook posts, and tweets in real time, allowing the driver to stay connected hands-free. It can even read text-message shorthand (lol, btw, brb…2f4u?), and it has many customization options, including for auto-response and timeout duration. It is available on BlackBerry and Android.
DriveSmart
DriveSmart, available on both iOS and Android, analyzes how you drive. It gives you information about the distance and duration of your road trips and about your speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and reaction to traffic signals. It provides you with a driving efficiency score and offers directions and advice on how to improve your driving. Disagree with any of the findings? Send your comments to the DriveSmart technical team. If they are convinced, they may scrub the incident so that your driving score won’t be affected.
LifeSaver
The LifeSaver app, available for iOS and Android, is designed for parents and fleets. It auto-detects driving, blocks smartphone use while you are driving, and lets others know when you’ve arrived at your destination.
Steer Clear Mobile
This free iOS and Android app not only teaches young drivers about proper driving techniques, but it also increases their eligibility for automobile insurance discounts from State Farm. Steer Clear Mobile logs driving time, tracks mileage, and monitors road conditions, allowing drivers to measure their progress.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by distracted driving, contact the Colorado personal injury attorney Dan Rosen at (303) 454-8000 or (800) ROSEN-911 to schedule a free initial consultation.