Texting and driving is a serious problem. Businesses, parents and drivers of all ages are at a much higher risk of getting into a car accident when they’re texting. Virginia Tech conducted a study showing that drivers who text and drive are 23 times more likely to get into an accident. What’s more, the auto industry is raising rates for distracted drivers. The insurance penalty for distracted driving is up nearly 8,000% according to The Zebra’s 2018 distracted driving report.
This puts drivers at a much higher risk of death on the road.
And there are also some drivers who have a lapse in judgment and check their texts even when they know they shouldn’t. It’s a huge risk to text and drive, but technology is catching up and helping people put an end to their distracted driving habits.
1. On My Way (you are here)
When you’re going to a friend’s house or meeting up with someone, they’ll often text to ask “where are you?” The texts can get annoying, and if the person is persistent and keeps asking you the same question, it’s very tempting to reply.
Well, you don’t have to worry about texting them your location any longer.
On My Way can do it for you.
When you’re ready, activate the app and start tracking your location immediately. The tracking will provide your friends with a map of your location, and you can choose to share your location for a set duration, too.
This is a great app to share your location with friends.
And it puts an end to those frequent text messages that people have a way of sending only when you’re trying to keep an eye on the road.
2. AT&T DriveMode
AT&T DriveMode is available on all carriers, and the app is also available in Spanish. The goal of this app is to cut down on motor vehicle accidents through an app specifically designed to help drivers avoid distractions.
AT&T’s app offers:
- Automatic silencing of phone calls and alerts
- Automatic text replies stating you’re driving
- Automatic engagement when a vehicle hits 15 MPH
- One-touch music and navigation controls
AT&T also knows that kids have a tendency to shut off safety apps when their parents aren’t looking. Parents will have full control of the app and will send a message to a parent if the automatic turn-on feature is disabled or if the app is turned off.
The app is available for Android and iOS.
3. Cellcontrol
Cellcontrol goes beyond a normal app and works to improve driver performance while making driving inherently safer. An app is available for Android and iOS, but this app goes beyond the normal control that most apps offer when driving.
Cellcontrol uses a patented hardware called DriveID that’s placed under the rearview mirror.
Fleets of vehicles, such as trucking companies, can also use this product to make sure that drivers are being as safe as possible on the roadway.
Simple to install, the device provides you with:
- Account management to see all drivers from one dashboard
- Text sending and receiving blocks
- Texts or emails sent to parent if the device is removed
- Vehicle motion activation
- Customizable policies for all drivers
- Active monitoring and reporting, as well as speeding reports
- Speed and location reports for every trip
- Harsh braking monitoring
- Notes on improving driving habits
- Hands-free technology
Cellcontrol isn’t your normal app, and it connects to the cloud to allow for monitoring at all times of the day and night. The app and device come with a monthly charge of $7.95 for just distracted driving information or $9.95 for additional driving information, maps and reports.
4. LifeSaver
LifeSaver is the only app you need if you want to put an end to distracted driving and provide yourself with some peace of mind in the process. The app is powerful and priceless, and it puts all of the control in the hands of the parent.
LifeSaver does three main things to keep drivers safe:
- Blocks all phone usage
- Lets parents know their children arrived safely
- Rewards drivers for driving safely
The company’s patented software allows parents to keep a close eye on their kids’ driving habits and even rewards drivers with iTunes rewards for driving safely. The app is simple to setup and secure, and if the app is unlocked, a notification will be sent to the parent to alert him or her of the issue.
When the driver’s vehicle starts moving, the app will lock the phone.
But when the person is not moving, the app runs in the background and remains undetected the entire time. This is the safe, smart way to allow your kids to drive without worrying that they’ll be texting the entire time.
