Apps To Keep You From Driving Distracted

Distracted driving isn’t a new problem, but thanks to cell phones and smart devices, the rate at which distracted driving accidents occur has increased significantly. Everyone is susceptible to distracted driving, but teens in particular struggle to overcome this safety hazard.

According to the federal government, 10% of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. Many of these teens were texting, using a cell phone or smart phone, or eating and drinking while they were driving.

While technology may often instigate distracted driving, it can also help us solve the problem. We’ve curated a short list of apps and devices designed to keep drivers focused on the road, and their hands on the wheel. Share these ideas with friends and family, and together we can reduce distracted driving accidents across the board.

LifeSaver App 

For families with teen drivers, cell phones are a great way to keep track of where family members are at any given time. But calling or texting a teen while they’re behind the wheel is not a good way to avoid distracted driving.

The LifeSaver App blocks phone use while driving, let’s parents know their teen has arrived safely at their destination, and helps avoid distracted driving by blocking all text messages and calls.

This free app is easy to install and runs silently in the background on most Apple or Android devices—once installed, set it and forget it! Plus, this app easily allows you to invite new friends to join, so you can track all your family members and avoid sending them distracting messages while they’re on the road.

LifeSaver also offers a business version for fleet operators called LifeSaver for Fleets.

AT&T Drive Mode

For AT&T subscribers, the Drive Mode app offers automated shut off of some features signaled by the speed of your car, but still gives you access to phone features you may want while you’re driving.

Once installed, this free app automatically activates when you drive faster than 15mph. Unlike other apps that lock the phone completely, this app allows you to access music and navigation capabilities, but blocks text massages from being received.

An automated message is sent to anyone who texts you while you’re driving, letting them know you’re behind the wheel, and it can wait. We like this app because it’s spreading the message that distracted driving is dangerous and should be taken very seriously.

Parrot Minikit

Most new cars include hands-free Bluetooth technology, the ideal way to avoid fussing over a smart phone while driving. Older cars may not have these features built into them, so we recommend small gadgets like the Parrot Minikit; and at $49.99, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new car!

The Parrot Minikit includes features that let drivers stay connected while concentrating on the road. Ideal for adults with long commutes, on-the-go-parents, and anyone who finds himself distracted by a cell phone in the car.

Just clip this small device to your sun visor and sync it to your phone; you can take calls hands free, send text messages… Just tell it what you want it to do—it’s that easy.

Leading by Example with Safe Driving

Advocating that teens stop using their cell phones in the car is one way to avoid disaster, but leading by example is much more effective. Whether you’re a parent, an executive, or a busy teen driver, everyone should avoid distracted driving. These nifty apps and gadgets make it a little easier to do just that.