Safe Driving Apps For Your Phone
A mobile phone can be extremely distracting while a person is driving. Although checking a cell phone while driving is sometimes thought of as a “teen problem,” the Pew Research Center reports that adults are just as likely as teens to use their phones while driving. Adults are actually more likely to talk on the phone while driving as well. Looking at a phone while driving affects everyone around the driver, from passengers to those in other vehicles. Drivers who want to decrease or discourage their phone usage may want to implement safe driving apps. If you have been involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, we strongly suggest you contact an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney from Heiting & Irwin to put their decades of experience and knowledge to work for you. Call (951) 682-6400 to discuss your legal options.
Why Are Safe Driving Apps Important?
Many safe driving apps limit or stop the use of a smartphone while a person is driving. They can decrease the amount of distraction a driver experiences, which generally makes him or her a safer driver. Distracted driving is a serious problem. In fact, according to a study by the University of Utah, drivers who use their cell phones while driving are “just as bad as” drunk drivers and are 5.36 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to drivers who are not distracted, and the law treats them similarly. Serious charges, and even punitive damages, may be available.
Some phones have features that drivers can utilize while driving to help cut down on distractions. Drivers could use Do Not Disturb mode, use auto replies for texts, or incorporate a virtual assistant gadget like Amazon Echo Auto or Anker ROAV Bolt. Many safe driving apps stop or limit notifications to reduce or remove the temptation to look at a cell phone while driving. Other apps restrict use or only allow a driver to use the phone with voice commands. Today, many apps also have a “car mode,” which limits the functionality of the app or incorporates voice commands. Examples of apps that now have car mode include (not an all-inclusive list):
- Google Maps
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
- Google Assistant
Examples of Safe Driving Apps
Every safe driving app is slightly different, so there are benefits and drawbacks to each option. Drivers might want to try out a few options and then use the one that helps with cutting down on cell phone usage the most while fitting their needs. When a collision occurs due to distracted driving, such as using a cellphone, there is a very good chance an attorney from Heiting & Irwin will be able to help.
To avoid serious charges and exposing yourself to high damages awards that insurance companies may not cover, consider the following:
Drivemode Dash
This app will stop notifications from calls, texts, and apps once it detects that the user is traveling over 15 miles per hour. The user can send out auto-replies stating that the driver is busy and will respond when safely stopped. With parental controls, parents can also be notified when their teen drivers have deactivated the app.
OnMyWay
If a driver reaches 10 miles per hour or over, OnMyWay will disable texting and app alerts. Phone calls can come through if the phone is attached to the car’s Bluetooth. Drivers can also still use some map and music apps as long as they were activated before the driver began to travel over 10 miles per hour. OnMyWay states that users receive cash rewards ($0.02 per mile) for driving safely.
SAFE 2 SAVE
SAFE 2 SAVE is a another safe driving app that provides incentives for drivers to use the app and drive safely. The app activates when the driver travels at or above 10 miles per hour, and it provides points for every minute that the driver does not text and drive.
Life360
Although Life360 does not limit phone use, it does track usage. This app can be a good option to share with family members (or load on employees’ phones) because it also shares locations, detects crashes, includes an SOS alert system, and provides roadside assistance.
Get Help From a California Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may have legal options to claim damages, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering and even damages to punish the offending driver. To help explore your legal options and assert your rights to compensation after a crash consider contacting an experienced Riverside, California, car accident attorney from Heiting & Irwin by calling (951) 682-6400 to schedule a consultation or visit us online at www.hilegalgroup.com
