Distracted Driving

According to a 2010 report on distracted driving conducted by the National Safety Council, “There is strong evidence to support that under-reporting of driver cell phone use in crashes is resulting in a substantial under-estimation of the magnitude of this public safety threat.”

There is a gap between what the law can do based on the data provided and what needs to be done to keep drivers safe on the road. The very technology that is increasing distracted driving is now stepping in to prevent it.

Applications that are intended to save lives are flooding in and public response has been more than positive. From preventing a child from being left in a hot car to protecting women using ride-sharing services, app development is acting fast to make life more convenient and safer. The way we drive and ride is changing.

The following apps are leading the charge against distracted driving and making the road a safer place one tap at a time.

• LifeSaver

By eliminating the call, text, or notification from ever coming through, LifeSaver keeps the driver from experiencing
the urge to check their phone. The signal is blocked entirely. Only emergency outgoing calls are permitted.

The application also allows parents to customize their son or daughter’s account to be sure they are limiting cell phone use while driving. This includes arrival notifications and automatic responses so they know
the driver is busy behind the wheel.

LifeSaver offers rewards and helps you keep track of the whole family of users. The app is free to download and you can send an invite by text to add a driver to your family.

• SafeDrive

Ever wish to stay focused behind the wheel could be more fun? SafeDrive is a free app offers its users rewards and offers for being safe behind the wheel. By using your speed limit, the duration of your trip, and how often you touch the phone, the app uses a complex algorithm to determine the points you receive.

If you’re the competitive type, you can also win additional points by going head to head with other users in Play Mode. These redeemable points that you can earn and win have value, but the true value is the motivation you have to keep your attention on the road.

• drivesafe.ly

While cognitive distraction can be just as dangerous as a manual or visual distraction, hands-free is much safer than holding the phone to talk or to text. The DriveSafe.ly app uses audio functions to make sure your
eyes stay on the road behind the wheel.

Turn the app on when you get into the car and the phone will read your text messages and announce your calls when they pop up. The settings can be customized to your preference, but the user-friendly app is as simple as an “On” and “Off” switch.

The app costs $3.99 per month for a single user or $9.99 monthly for a family of 4. There is also a limited version that’s available free of charge.

• Cell Control

There are many apps that block the
signal, but you have to activate them when you get in the car. If you’re interested in making sure that drivers are always protected, there is a solution. Cell Control DriveProtect™ device isn’t just an app. By placing what’s called DriveID hardware onto the windshield of the vehicle, you can program what phone activity is allowed in the car.

Program in specific numbers that can call in and out as well as specify apps that are or aren’t allowed to ensure that distracted driving is a reduced risk. Add numbers to the program for the whole family and adapt the permissions. The device is easy to install and customize.

If you’re using it for a business fleet, you can customize the account to send you driver performance data like the speed of the cars and the frequency and intensity of stops. This prevents distracted driving on the job and helps you manage the workforce on the road.

The equipment costs $129-$309 one time purchase rather than a
subscription fee. Business costs range from $143 per vehicle to $231 per vehicle depending on the account length you purchase.

• HUDWAY

In Palm Beach, a driver was allegedly looking down at his GPS when a drawbridge began to rise. If the vehicle had been just a few seconds slower, the occupants would have lost their lives. He tried to plan his route, but it became an almost fatal distraction.

This is more common than we give it credit for. We mostly associate distracted driving with texts or calls, but messing with your phone to reroute or looking down at the screen to view the map can be just as dangerous.

You may be great about not texting or taking calls while you drive, but what about looking down at your phone for navigation? HUDWAY uses the screen itself as a projector on the windshield so you don’t have to look away from the road. The reflection of the screen is at eye level and audio turn-by-turn direction helps you stay aware of changes.

In addition to preventing you from being distracted, the map shows you what the road looks like coming up so you don’t’ have to guess in low visibility. If the rain is too heavy or the night is too dark, the road ahead is visible on your windshield thanks to the glowing reflection.

You can also preprogram routs into the application. This means an internet connection is not required to perform the navigation desired. This is helpful to save on data.

Distracted driving is claiming more than lives than ever. The way we communicate is more immediate and becoming a necessity of everyday life. Make sure you hold yourself and your family accountable. It could prevent injury, accidents, and even death.

Want to stay connected to the road and not the phone? Consider Defensive Driving. Taken for ticket dismissal or for a discount on your insurance, Comedy Driving is an entertaining way to be the best driver you can be.

Call 713-465-0042 or visit comedydriving.com for information.