Distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States. The National Safety Council estimates that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes and nearly 330,000 injuries each year. In fact, 1 in 4 car accidents are caused by texting and driving! The worst part about these devastating accidents is that they are wholly preventable. The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at the Salamati Law Firm are encouraged about the following apps that prevent texting while driving.
AT&T DriveMode
DriveMode for Android and iOs silences incoming text alerts and sends auto-responses to let people know the recipient is driving. The app automatically turns on when the vehicle starts moving faster than 15 mph. Games, calls, and social media are also locked out, but drivers can still access music and navigation while the car is in motion. Parents can set up the app to notify them when a teen driver disables it. (Free)
Live2Txt
Live2Txt is an Android app that silences incoming calls and texts while driving. The app auto-sends a customized message that the driver is unable to respond at the moment. (Cost: $1.99)
Cellcontrol
This subscription-based app Cellcontrol for Android and iOS is geared toward concerned parents. It comes with a device inserted under the dashboard that blocks incoming and outgoing texts, email, and camera functionality while the car is in motion. (Cost: $39.95 one-time hardware fee + $7.95/month)
On My Way
The On My Way app for Android and iOS lets drivers share time and location with friends to let them know their estimated arrival time. Drivers simply set up the trip and let the app invite selected friends to follow the trip. Location tracking ends when the destination is reached. (Free)
LifeSaver App
LifeSaver for Android and iOS auto-detects driving and blocks cell phone while the car is in motion. Once the vehicle stops, the phone will unlock. Parents receive a text message if their child disables the app. (Free)
tXt Blocker
Another Android and iOS app geared toward parents is tXtBlocker, which goes one step further by not only preventing texting while driving, but also allowing parents to set up “No-Cell Zones” (like school or work) that kids can’t hack. Parents can also locate their teens using the app and obtain driving reports. (Cost: $7/month)
Focus — Screen Free Driving
The Focus app for iPhones is a funny way of being shamed into submission. When the driver touches his or her phone, a voice sternly says, “Hang up and drive.” Those who fail to comply are yelled at with phrases like “Eyes on the road, Chief!” and “Lock your phone NOW!” The reminders may be all some people need to realize how much they touch their phones while driving. A road report includes how many distracted driving minutes were logged. (Free or $4.99 for premium version, with speeding reports)
Need a Los Angeles car accident attorney?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a distracted driving accident in Southern California, contact the Salamati Law Firm for legal representation. Police officers are not legally allowed to check an accident victim’s cell phone records without a warrant, so it can be difficult to gather the evidence needed to prove negligence without a knowledgeable expert on your side. The Salamati Law Firm has the grit and determination to see that justice is served. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
To learn more about Distracted Driving click below:
- Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Take the Pledge to Drive SafelyDistracted driving in California
- Disturbing Statistics on Distracted Driving in California
Additional “apps to prevent distracted driving” resources:
- Verizon – Best apps to block texting while driving, https://www.verizonwireless.com/archive/mobile-living/home-and-family/apps-to-block-texting-while-driving/
- Honk For Help – 5 Free Apps To Prevent Texting While Driving http://www.honkforhelp.com/explore/2016/5-free-apps-to-prevent-texting-while-driving/
- USA Today – Best Tech To Prevent Distracted Driving http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2016/05/29/best-tech-prevent-distracted-driving/85121278/
