Learning how to drive is a rite of passage into adulthood. A teenager earning their driver’s license is one of the most exciting times of his or her life. Becoming a young driver is fun. It gives you a sense of freedom and responsibility. However, it is important to stay safe too. With the high usage of cell phones on the road, it increases distracted driving and the likelihood of having an accident. It only takes a second to become distracted by a notification or a call that can lead to an accident. These are some recommended driving apps to minimize phone usage while driving.
As a teenager, creating safe driving habits is essential to preventing involvement in a car accident. “It is the parent’s responsibility to equip their young adult with enough information and resources to become a safe driver, and apps are a fun way of doing so,” said car accident attorney Hank Stout. With the advancement of technology, driving apps have become more resourceful in monitoring driving behaviors. These recommended apps will minimize the likelihood of texting and speeding, but also useful and in emergencies.
Autobrain
A team of first responders created Autobrain. If you happen to get in a car accident, Autobrain immediately alerts 911 to your location. Additional features include roadside assistance, lockout services, emergency fuel delivery, dead battery boost, tire change, and free towing options. The app comes with a 30-day free trial, then $9.97 a month per device.
TrueMotion
TrueMotion is a family-oriented app that tracks and scores each driver’s behavior by providing the route, location, speed limit, and phone usage. It is available on Android and iOS platforms.
RoadReady
The RoadReady app is part of The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, which provides a printed and digital driving curriculum. The app offers an interactive and educational and way to record the state-required supervised driving time. The app tracks driving time and weather conditions.
Life360
The Life 360 app provides a weekly driving analysis that includes phone usage, rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speed. Also, it has roadside assistance along with crash and emergency response system.
Mama Bear
MamaBear is an excellent family-friendly app. It provides a robust all-in-one safety and awareness tool. The app allows you to set a speed limit, and it will notify you when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, whether you are the driver or passenger. You can set locations and receive arrival and departure notifications. The app features social media and text message monitoring to keep track of followers, pictures, and mentions.
Wireless Providers
Several wireless companies offer driving apps. AT&T may be the most unique with DriveMode. The app automatically turns on when the car moves at least 15 MPH. While driving, it silences notifications for text messages and phone calls and sends an auto-response to users. If the driver decides to turn off the app or disable other safety features, his or her parents will receive a notification. This app is open to all users, even if you’re not an AT&T subscriber using an Android or iOS.
Other wireless providers include Hum by Verizon, SyncUp Drive with T-Mobile, and Sprint Drive.