Distracted driving can be defined as any activity that a driver engages in that takes their attention away from the road. While distracted driving activities can include eating, applying make-up or focusing attention on other passengers, texting and driving is by far the most common offense and teens are the greatest offenders. If they aren’t texting, they may be browsing social media, doing a Google search, taking photos, skipping to another playlist or looking at GPS.
As a culture, we celebrate the advancements in cell phone technology, but now there is more temptation than ever to engage with a device behind the wheel. It’s tragic to think of how many final moments are preceded with the thought, “I’ll just send a quick text.” It all too often leads to a tragic car accident.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each day in the U.S. there are nine fatalities because of a distracted driver, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were more than 3,000 people killed last year in motor vehicle accidents due to distracted driving.
So how can we prevent this?
Brad Parker says, “There are several apps that teens or their parents can download on their phones that will assist in resisting the temptation to text while driving or even using their phone while driving. I can’t think of one reason teens (and adults) shouldn’t be utilizing these types of apps.”
One of the easiest ways to eliminate the desire to check your phone is by putting it in airplane mode. Here are some of the best apps for preventing your teen from using their phone while the vehicle is in motion:
1. Cellcontrol
Cellcontrol is a subscription-based app designed for parents that comes with a device you install under the dashboard and an accompanying app that will block your child from texting while they are driving. They can’t receive or send texts, and Cellcontrol also disables other phone features while the car is moving, such as Google, the camera and email. The app will also text or email a notification to parents if Cellcontrol is deactivated or removed.
2. Drivesafe Mode
Drivesafe Mode is another app that prevents texting and emailing while the car is in motion. After a simple sign-up process, parents can utilize this app and will be sent a notification when the phone is in use or if their teen driver attempts to disable the app.
3. Live2Txt
This app requires a little self-discipline from your teen driver. Live2Txt is an app that allows a driver to block incoming texts and calls while behind the wheel. All the driver needs to do is turn the app on when they get in the car, and doing so will silence their smartphone from incoming notifications, texts and calls. When the driver receives a message, the app will notify the sender with a message that the driver is unable to respond at the moment because they are driving. This app is available only for Android.
4. Safedrive
Safedrive is a little different because it does not prevent texts from coming into your device or notifying a parental figure, but it does reward teens for not texting and driving. By keeping the Safedrive app open once you’re behind the wheel, you will automatically start earning points that you can use toward discounts at participating stores. Safedrive will keep track of the number of points you have accrued based on driving speed, time in traffic and distance traveled.
5. Lifesaver
For any parent that worries about their child texting and driving, they now have the power to lock their child’s phone while the car is in motion. Once the car comes to a complete stop, the phone will unlock and can be used again.
6. Canary
Canary offers parents a little peace of mind by tracking their child’s actions behind the wheel. The app tracks phone usage, speed and location while driving. If a driver uses his or her phone while driving, the app sends a notification to the parent.
7. One Tap
One Tap not only keeps your teen safe while driving, it also acts as a personal assistant to those trying to get ahold of your child. It manages texts and calls while a person is driving by automatically responding to the person by letting them know that you are currently driving and unable to text them back.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation. We help car accident victims throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
