There's an App for That: Mobile Apps to Help Curb Distracted Driving

Mobile apps have been developed to help curb distracted driving by preventing texts, redirecting calls, sending out auto-responders to emails, and much more. Here are five of the top mobile applications:

• DriveSafe.ly — Reads your texts and emails aloud in real time via Bluetooth or radio, and sends an auto-responder informing the sender you're driving. Stay connected without taking your eyes off the road.
• iZUP — Detects when your vehicle is in motion and sends calls directly to voicemail while holding text messages until you stop. In essence, this app locks your phone while your car is moving.
• Sprint's Drive First — Disables your cell phone screen when driving is detected. Calls redirect to voicemail and texts are blocked, but you can still access GPS and music.
• Cellcontrol — Works with almost any cell phone, laptop, and tablet. Restricts texting, emailing, gaming, calls, and web surfing while driving — but only in a selected vehicle, so you can still use your phone as a passenger.
• Textecution — Detects when your phone is travelling in excess of 10 mph and locks all text messaging capabilities.

These mobile applications aren't designed to restrict drivers; rather, they're intended to help keep drivers safe. When you're travelling in a rental car, your eyes should be on the road, and your hands should be on the wheel. If you're travelling for business, or you're an avid SmartPhone user, take the required steps to keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe. In many states and provinces, text messaging, answering emails, or talking on the phone is also illegal. So take a minute to explore your phone, and download one of these affordable or free mobile applications to curb distracted driving today!