September 20, 2017
8 Apps for Safe Driving
We hear and see reports of car accidents every single day, and a large portion of those accidents are the result of distracted driving.
In fact, distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents.
Distracted driving can come in many different forms. Maybe you don’t know where you are and are looking at a map, or you just heard your email go off and want to check it, it doesn’t matter. Looking down at your phone for whatever reason, for even as little as four seconds, is the equivalent to driving the length of a football field blind folded.
Pretty scary, right?
Here are a few other scary statistics.
- 85% of drivers are distracted by their phones while driving.
- Drivers are on their phone for 1 out of every 6 minutes of driving.
- 71% of drivers are texting while driving.
- 25% of teens send at least one text message during a single drive.
- 20% of teens and 10% of parents admit to having multiple message conversations while driving.
- Distracted driving accidents cost the United States over $175 billion a year.
Technology and the use of cell phones are a major cause of distracted driving, but they don’t have to be. Now, there are apps created to help you get to where you’re going quickly, safely, and undistracted.
What apps can be used to make driving safer?
1. Inrix
The Inrix Traffic App is a traffic and navigation app that takes the guesswork out of departing and arrival times, and how to get to your destination.
The app learns your driving habits and personalizes routes to help you avoid traffic. It also gives you recommended trips and departures times, while updating you on road conditions. Inrix even can create a daily itinerary of any future trips while using a crowd-sourced map.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
2. Waze
A strong competitor for Inrix Traffic, is Waze. From a user stand point, Waze is the world’s largest community based traffic and navigation app.
To use the app, you have to create an account, and once your car is in motion, you must select that a passenger is using the app. Users post when they pass traffic, road construction, police, etc. so future drivers are aware. Passengers can then thumbs up or thumbs down when they ride past if the driving condition still exist. The app will also give you alternative routes to avoid traffic.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
3. ETA
This app is designed to be your personal travel assistant. It tracks the time it takes you to travel to your frequently visited destinations.
You can link ETA with your favorite maps app to get detailed directions and transit information. You can ever access travel information outside of the app with other Apple products, such as the Apple Watch or iPad,
Price? $2.99
Compatibility? Apple
4. SafeDrive
Want to get rewarded for not using your phone while driving?
Download SafeDrive.
The app gives the user points once the smartphone detects that it is going over 6mph. When you start driving a dull looking screen appears, designed to not be a distraction. If you hit the release button you will lose points.
The app even double checks if that is what you want to do.
The earned points can be used on discounted products offered by various companies. You also can challenge other SafeDrive users to see who has the most points for safe driving.
Another way to earn points is to invite your friends to download the app, and start safe driving.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
5. LifeSaver
This app is designed to prevent distracted driving.
It blocks phone use when a car is in motion.
It also is allows families to check driving status and get a notification when a driver has arrived at their destination. All of the information is kept in a portal that is easily accessible, and there is a rewards program for users.
You can unlock the app while driving, which is helpful in the case of an emergency. Unlocking the app sends a notification to other people in your portal, so if it is an emergency, they’ll know right away.
Another unique part of LifeSaver, is that there is an option available for corporations and fleets.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
6. TrueMotion Family
The TrueMotion Family app is a family-oriented driving app that lets you see a complete picture of your family’s driving safety.
You can see where your family members are and how they got there. You can also see how much they drove, including phone use, aggressive driving, speeding, texting, and more.
The app will give each drive a rating on a scale from 1 to 100. Everyone in your family can see what your score was, and why. If there was a place where you were speeding, those in your group can look at a map and see exactly where it was at.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
7. Mojo
Mojo is an app made by TrueMotion, that helps drivers kick distracted driving habits. You invite your friends, compete to be the safest driver, and earn spins for a chance to win a gift card for cool places like Whole Foods, Amazon, and more.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
8. ZoomSafer
ZoomSafer limits the use of email, texting, web browsing, and calling when driving.
The app engages automatically when a vehicle’s ignition is started, and puts a message on the lock screen, “unlock your device only in emergencies.” Passengers can select the passenger button to gain full access to a device, but the app always reports when the passenger button is used.
Price? Free
Compatibility? Apple and Android
Doing your part to avoid a car accident
As you can see, many of these apps are free and available for a variety of devices. Now, you don’t have an excuse. Download one, or five, and start safe driving.
If you or a loved one were in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact The Law Offices of Donna Clark Frayne right away. She has been handling cases involving car accidents in St. Louis for nearly 20 years.
She will fight for compensation to cover your expenses, including costs for medicines and treatment, and damages from your loss of income resulting from the accident. Your welfare and best interests are the sole priority.