Distracted driving has become one of the main causes of car accidents, especially when these incidents involve cell phones. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting messaging makes it six times more likely to be involved in a collision compared to a drunk driver, and 25 percent of all traffic fatalities involve distracted driving.
Unfortunately, teenagers are the largest age group of victims involve in fatal car accidents. Eleven teenagers die every day because of texting and driving.
Despite understanding the dangers of texting while driving, teenagers continue to do it anyway. Rather than find ways to keep your teen away from their cell phone, use it as a tool to combat distracted driving.
There are several apps to help you avoid using their smartphone while on the road. From preventing incoming text messages and phone calls to rewarding teenagers for good driving behaviors, these apps encourage your teen to their eyes, hands, and mind on the primary task of operating a vehicle.
Here are four distracted driving apps available to iPhone and/or Android users:
- LifeSaver – Considered one of the top-rated apps available for iPhone users, LifeSaver gives the ability to block any use of your teen’s phone while the vehicle is in motion and automatically notifies you that he/she has safely arrived at their destination. In addition, the “Driver Portal” feature enables you to set up rewards for your children when they practice safe driving behavior.
- AT&T DriveMode – Both iPhone and Android users can download this app, which silences any incoming phone calls and text messages when the vehicle is going 15 mph. DriveMode is equipped with hands-free voice control to respond to messages, control music, and search navigation. If your teen deactivates the app or changes certain settings, you will be notified.
- Safe Drive – If your teen is an iPhone user and loves shopping, this app enables him/here to receive points which can be used toward discounts at participating stores. As long as your child avoids using their cell phone, he/she will accumulate points until the trip is over. However, if they unlock their cell phone, they will lose all the points made during the drive.
- TrueMotion Family – Free for both iPhone and Android users, the one feature which sets this app apart from the others is its “trip score.” Each time your teen gets behind the wheel, the app rates his/her overall drive and collects data on moments the phone is used. If you decide to download it for yourself, you and your child can compare scores. TrueMotion Family shows your loved one’s location on the road in real time and maintains a history of every single trip.
No matter which app you decide is best for your family, downloading a safe driving app can save your child’s life and perhaps others. Help your teen use their phone as a safety tool to fight distracted driving.
