Avoid Distracted Driving With These Mobile Apps!

I have never sent a text message while driving.  Overall, I do not like talking on my cell phone while driving either.  This past year, I have made an effort to park the car while talking on my cell phone and putting my cell phone in silence mode to avoid any additional distractions while driving.

Did you know that text messaging while driving is banned in 30 states and the use of cell phones is banned or restricted in 14 states.  This information can be found at the website of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety at http://www.iihs.org/laws/maptextingbans.aspx

For people that use their cell phone constantly while driving, see the list of apps below.  These mobile apps will help you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. 

iZUP - "Eyes Up" holds incoming and outgoing calls, texts and emails while driving.  The iZUP app allows an adminstrator to monitor compliance, edit settings and receive alerts.  Existing customers from Plymouth Rock Assurance can save 25% on the annual subscription.  For more information visit http://www.getizup.com/

Not While Driving - Not While Driving detects when your car is in motion using the GPS device in your cell phone and puts your cell phone in sleep mode.  As soon as your car stops, your cell returns to a normal operating mode without any additional steps.  Not While Driving sends an automated email to a parent or employer whenever the cell phone user overrides Not While Driving – ensuring hands on the wheel and full attention to driving conditions. Not While Driving is a Blackberry application only.  The app can be found in Blackberry AppWorld or by clicking on the link at http://store.jaredcompany.com/blackberry/

DriveSafe.ly - DriveSafe.ly allows you to listen to SMS, email or text messages while driving.  For example, when you receive an email, DriveSafe.ly will read the email aloud.  This app can be found in the Android Market and Blackberry AppWorld.  According the developers website, the app will be available for the iPhone and Windows Mobile phones soon.  http://www.ispeech.org/

Text'nDrive - Text'nDrive allows you to listen to your email or text messages while driving and allows you to reply by voice.  Text'nDrive is available in the iPhone App Store, Android Market and Blackberry App World.  The App can also be found at http://www.textndrive.com/