The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,522 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2021. As technology has evolved dramatically in the last several years, distracted driving has become an increasingly larger problem. One of the major sources of distractions in vehicles is cell phones. However, cell phones may also be part of the solution. Safe driving apps can help minimize distractions and prevent accidents. The personal injury attorneys at Lott Law know all too well the damages that even a moment’s distraction at the wheel can cause, and we are committed to helping prevent accidents. Consider contacting us at (228) 215-2787 to learn more.
What Is a Safe Driver App?
Safe driving apps encourage drivers to concentrate solely on the task of driving and to avoid distractions, especially texting while driving. Different apps have different features. Some of these might include:
- Dings or alerts when a user texts
- Turns off the capability of sending or receiving messages unless the vehicle is stopped or there is an emergency
- Provides points or rewards for safe driving behaviors
- Tracks speed and various vehicle metrics while you are driving
- Rates driving based on tracked information
- Uses phone sensors to measure how a user drives
- Provides feedback to the driver after each trip
These apps aim to save lives, minimize distractions, and prevent collisions.
7 Safe Driving Apps To Install Today
Many apps are available to help improve driver safety and avoid distractions. Some of these include:
Safest Driver
Safest Driver is available in the Apple store. This phone app automatically detects when the user starts and stops driving. Using the phone’s sensors, the app measures driving behaviors and provides stars that accumulate over time so the user can see how their driving improves. Users can also receive driving safety feedback on each of their trips. For example, the app can show areas in which a driver may need to improve, such as distractions or speeding.
OnMyWay
OnMyWay automatically disables text and app alerts when the user is driving faster than 10 mph. Bluetooth connectivity allows the phone’s owner to still answer calls, so it is still possible to use other apps such as Google Maps and Spotify – as long as these are activated before the trip begins. The app is free to download.
TrueMotion
TrueMotion is an app compatible with iOS and Android devices. This free-to-download app tracks a family’s driving activity across multiple devices and provides safety feedback, such as alerting others if one driver was texting while driving.
Insurance Company Apps
Many auto insurance companies, such as Progressive and State Farm, offer their own apps. For example, State Farm has the Drive Safe & Save app, which gives you information about each trip and a score. Some insurance companies may also reward their customers with lower insurance rates when they exhibit safe driving behaviors.
Drivemode Dash
Drivemode Dash focuses on eliminating distractions. This app silences calls, texts, and alerts when the user is driving over 15 mph. Available on Android and iOS devices, the app also sends out auto-replies to messages in real-time. Parents in particular may have an extra layer of support when they use this app because they can set it up so that they are notified if the app is deactivated.
EverDrive App
The EverDrive app alerts the user about how distractions are affecting their trip and gives them an overall score based on other information, including phone use, speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering. This app also allows users to share their information with others, building an additional incentive to drive safely and allowing for competition within the family, workforce, or neighborhood.
Zenroad
Zenroad tracks location and driving information to generate a risk score based on driver behaviors. This app also provides insights about driving style and routes. The app can track metrics such as speed and acceleration and provides information about these behaviors in real-time. Zenroad also monitors car crashes.
How Safe Driving Apps Can Help in Accident Cases
Unfortunately, even drivers who operate their vehicles safely and avoid distractions cannot force other drivers to do the same. However, if you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, your safe driving app may be able to help in your case.
These apps often store important information about a vehicle’s operation and can show that you were not distracted in the event that another driver tries to blame you for an accident in which you were involved. Possible information drivers may be able to obtain from safe driving apps could include:
- The exact location of the accident
- The speed you were traveling just before the accident
- Braking patterns
- The route you were traveling
An experienced personal injury lawyer at Lott Law may be able to explain how a car accident attorney can extract this data and use it to bolster your case.
Other Ways To Avoid Distracted Driving
Following the law can be a good start to safe driving practices. Miss. Code Ann. (2023) § 63-33-1 prohibits doing any of the following actions while operating a motor vehicle:
- Writing, sending, or reading a text message, email, or other electronic communication
- Accessing, reading, or posting to a social media site
- Otherwise using a cell phone to read or write a text-based message with a hand-held mobile phone
In addition to using safe driving apps, there may be other ways to avoid distracted driving, including:
- Using “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence texts, calls, and alerts while driving
- Creating auto-replies to text messages
- Asking a passenger or your virtual assistant to read messages for you
- Using apps on car mode, which allows you to use voice commands
- Using a Bluetooth device to activate your commands
- Turning off your phone while driving
- Avoiding other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while driving
All drivers owe a duty to avoid distractions, drive safely, and avoid accidents. When another driver violates these duties and injures you, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt in an Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, consider contacting Lott Law for assistance. An experienced Mississippi car accident attorney may be able to review your situation during a free case consultation and explain how safe driving apps might apply to your case. You can schedule a visit at one of our convenient locations by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (228) 215-2787.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are safe driving apps?
A: Safe driving apps are designed to minimize distractions and promote safe driving habits by tracking driving behavior, blocking notifications, and providing feedback.
Q: How do safe driving apps work?
A: These apps use phone sensors to track driving behavior, such as speed, acceleration, and braking, and provide feedback to drivers.
Q: Can safe driving apps help in accident cases?
A: Yes, safe driving apps can provide valuable data, such as speed and braking patterns, that can help establish fault in an accident.
Q: What types of data can safe driving apps provide?
A: Safe driving apps can provide data on location, speed, braking patterns, and route, which can be useful in accident cases.
Q: Are there any laws against distracted driving?
A: Yes, Mississippi law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text messages, emails, or social media posts while operating a vehicle.
Q: How can I avoid distracted driving?
A: You can use “Do Not Disturb” mode, create auto-replies to text messages, use Bluetooth devices, and avoid other distractions like eating or adjusting controls while driving.
