8 of the Best Anti-Texting Apps
Driving is dangerous enough without the added distractions that social technology provides. While most texting related accident reports involve teenagers, 58 percent of adults over the age of 25 admitted to regularly talking or texting while driving their vehicle. Statistics reflect that texting while driving causes the driver 23 times more likely to crash, and leads to a 400 percent increase in visual time spent off of the road. Even talking on the phone while driving can result in the driver’s reaction time (regardless of age) being slowed to that of a 70 year old. Michigan is one of the 30 states which have ban systems in place for texting and cell phone use while driving, yet these auto accidents still occur. Fortunately, downloading and using one or more of the following apps can easily help reduce the amount of calls necessary to your Mt. Clemens auto accident attorney.
Canary
This is a free app available for Apple and Android users. Canary allows parents to see their kid’s real-time cell phone usage. Any cellular activity performed by the driver after the vehicle reaches speeds over 12 MPH are tracked via Canary’s website. Canary also notifies parents if the teen breaches security set up points and if anyone tries to tamper with the app or disable it.
DriveMode
This free app available for Android and Blackberry users is now generally pre-loaded into new model phones. But if it’s not on yours, simply log into your app world and download it. The app disables all audible text alerts, incoming calls, and browsers. It also sends an auto-reply to those who attempt to text you while you’re driving. Usage is completely voluntary, however, and must be manually set by the driver.
DriveOFF
Created especially for Android users, this app is meant to help those driving over 10 MPH. The app settings allow you to choose which alerts you want turned off until you’ve reached your destination. It also offers a static screen saver to help you keep your eyes off of any other phone related distractions.
DriveSafe.ly
Putting a new spin on text blocking, this app actually reads the texts aloud, including abbreviations and common net lingo. The app then sends the contact an automated text in return alerting them that you’re driving and will reply shortly. Settings allow the driver to set contacts under a male or female voice as well. It costs $3.99 per usage or $13.95 annually per device.
DriveScribe
This free app can help teen drivers and parents alike. Besides disabling text and call options when the car is moving, it has a built in speed monitor and offers verbal suggestions to slow down when speed is an issue. Parents have the option of accessing progress reports online to see if their teen driver broke speed rules or ran stop signs. However, it must be manually set by the driver before beginning the trip and turned off upon arrival.
Textecution
Textecution charges a one time fee of $30 to use, but it’s worth it. In one way it’s a basic clone to DriveOFF as it shuts off alerts once the vehicle hits the 10 MPH mark. However, it allows a passenger to request an override for cellular usage. In the event of the request, an administrator – typically a guardian or employer – receives a text alerting them of the pending override. The administrator can then either approve or disapprove the action. If any other attempt is made to remove the app, the administrator is also instantly notified.
tXtBlocker
This handy paid app ($7 monthly or $70 annually) has been around for a few years, but it stole the number 1 position on Consumers Reports driving apps list. It not only disables alerts and allows parents to set limits regarding places and times texts can be received, but it also allows the location of the phone to be tracked on a separate website. Options can be selected to permit emergency calls to 911 and specific contacts such as the parents, work, and your Michigan personal injury attorney.
TXTShield
TXTShield costs $3.99 to download and is similar to DriveMode. The user or parents can adjust the settings and choose anywhere from a 10 to 40 MPH power off option. But why pay the extra money if it’s similar to a free option? For the password protection. While free apps are great, many don’t offer a secondary lock option. A child could pick it up and disable it, let alone the driver. TXTShield’s secondary password permission is worth the extra $4.
Keeping your teen driver safe is a challenge. If a situation does occur, contact Femminineo Attorneys immediately.
Femminineo Attorneys PLLC: David Femminineo
855-65-CRASH
110 S Main St #100
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
United States
(586) 954-9501
http://www.85565crash.com/
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