5 Safe Driving Apps to Minimize Distracted Driving
Mar 19, 2020
2 min read
You know the facts about distracted driving — and the role technology plays in it. Sending or reading one text at 55 mph means driving the length of a football field with your eyes off the road. Not only is texting and driving illegal in most states, 2,841 people were killed by distracted driving in 2018.
Fortunately, technology is adapting to help keep today’s drivers safe. These days, a whole category of safe driving apps exist to prevent distracted driving. The general premise: Make your phone inaccessible while your vehicle is moving. It’s simple, and it could save your life. Just one simple download could help you become a safer driver.
1. DriveMode
How it Works: Once your car hits 15 mph, DriveMode silences alerts, phone calls and texts — and can send out autoreplies. Parents can sign up to receive alerts when this safe driving app is turned off or disabled by their teenage children. While the app is triggered, users can still listen to music and use navigation tools.
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android and iOS
2. EverDrive
How it Works: Compete with your friends, family and even drivers in your neighborhood to see who can drive the safest with this app. EverDrive rates you on acceleration, braking, cornering, speed and phone use. It then gives you a trip grade to compare with your pals’ scores.
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android and iOS
3. LifeSaver
How it Works: LifeSaver runs silently in the background, then activates when you start driving. Employers can use this safe driving app to see fleet driver performance and send daily or weekly email reports that detail distracted driving violations. LifeSaver also has a special portal for parents, which includes a rewards system for drivers.
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android and iOS
4. TrueMotion Family
How it Works: This app provides an overall picture of your family’s driving. Each car trip gets graded on a 100-point scale, allowing you to measure improvement over time and see how family members compare (and which need to drive more safely). One of the factors taken into account is distracted driving. Using this app, you’ll be able to see if your teen engaged in behavior like text messaging while behind the wheel.
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android and iOS
5. TextDrive
How it Works: This highly rated safe driving app is simply an auto-responder. It sends messages to those who try to call or text you while you’re behind the wheel. You can set up an auto-text and phone call reply with a custom message, or reply using voice commands. You can also opt to install an auto-reply for people in your contacts only.
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android
Drive Safe and Save on Auto Insurance
Safe driving is important. With our Driveology program you can better understand your driving habits. Talk to your Farm Bureau agent to see how you can save on auto insurance with Driveology. You could save up to 30 percent on your auto insurance premium with Driveology.¹
¹Savings are based on driving behavior and may vary. Discounts apply to major coverages for your eligible and enrolled vehicles. Ask your Farm Bureau agent for details.