Most drivers know the dangers of distracted driving. We have all seen the vehicle in front of us slow down or drift into another lane without explanation. When you pass that car, the driver is usually looking at their phone instead of looking at the road. Despite the dangers of texting while driving, you may even have done it, too.
Breaking the distracted driving habit can be difficult. When a driver receives a call or a text while driving, the temptation to look at the phone can be immediate and intense.
Several new apps seek to help drivers break their distracted driving habit by reminding them of the risk and rewarding them for not using their phones while driving.
Safe2Save is an app that was developed by Marci Corry, who was inspired to take action after a student in College Station, Texas, was killed in a distracted driving accident.
The app works by rewarding drivers for not engaging in distracted driving. First, users choose a photo to remind them why they should avoid distracted driving – a photo of a spouse, child or family member, for example.
Once the app is on, it starts working when the vehicle is going 10 mph or faster. Users can still use maps and music while the phone is connected to Bluetooth.
Every minute the driver does not unlock the phone, he or she earns points for safe driving. Drivers can redeem their points at restaurants and businesses like TGI Friday’s, Solata, and Johnny Rocket’s. Safe2Save even allows drivers to compete against each other and offers greater rewards for the safest driver.
Safe2Save is a great tool to help drivers stop a distracted driving habit and rewards users for safer driving.
LifeSaver is another app for families and commercial fleets (even some insurance companies) that works by blocking cell phone use while driving. Parents and employers can set guidelines and monitor their teenager’s behavior. The app will also alert parents (or employers) by text if the driver unlocks the phone while driving. LifeSaver users can also earn rewards, including iTunes credit for safe driving habits.
If you prefer not to download a new app, you can use these features on iPhone and Samsung phones:
Apple users can turn on the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature, which keeps the phone silent and dark while driving. Anyone who sends a text while the feature is active receives an automatic message alerting them that recipient is driving.
Samsung users can turn on Do Not Disturb mode, which mutes all calls, texts, and alerts. It can be customized to allow certain notifications or to go mute at certain times of the day, such as the morning and afternoon commutes.
Any habit can be hard to break. Luckily for those who engage in distracted driving, there are innovative options to help them break the habit, to earn rewards for safe driving and to prevent accidents by keeping their eyes on the road and not on their phone.