Are Apps the Answer to Texting While Driving?

It’s difficult to turn on the television or read an article without hearing about the problem of distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. To some it may seem like common sense to avoid texting while driving, but it still happens far too often and can lead to serious car accidents. Fifty-two percent of teens admit to using his or her phone while driving. Thirty-four percent of teens admit to sending and reading text messages while behind the wheel.

When you are using your cell phone while driving you are taking your attention away from the road and other vehicles. When your attention is not on your surroundings, you are much more likely to be involved in or cause an accident. People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash. Because of these factors, many states have banned the use of cell phones while driving, while many other states plan follow this action.

The alarmingly high amount of accidents related to cell phone use while driving has sparked interest in creating smartphone applications to help reduce distracted driving. There are apps both currently in development and currently available that will lock the phone while the car is moving.

These apps vary in function, price, and availability. Some of the more prominent apps on the market or about to be on the market are:

• Sprint’s Drive First Application – This app will be available to Sprint customers who own an Android smartphone. This app limits the phones functionality while driving. It is still possible to use navigation (GPS) and music applications while driving, but all calls are redirected to the voice mail automatically. You can choose to allow up to three key contacts to still receive calls from and three mobile applications to still be accessible. This app can be configured by business administrators for their employees.
• On The Move – This app is manually activated by the driver before driving. It automatically replies to incoming text messages with a preset custom response.
• ZoomSafer (and its variations: TeenSafer and FleetSafer) – This app uses GPS to detect when the vehicle is moving and blocks calls and text messages. Like “On The Move,” this app also sends an automated reply to text messages.
• iZup – This app prevents outgoing text messages, emails, and phone calls while driving. It redirects incoming calls to voice mail and holds incoming text messages until the vehicle has stopped. Calling 911 is always available. Three authorized numbers and one application is allowed. iZup is not currently available for iPhone.
• Drive Safe.ly – This app reads incoming text messages and emails to the driver. It uses a one-touch system to turn the reading on and off. Also included is an optional auto-responder. This app is also compatible with Bluetooth and radio transmitters.
• Text No More – The driver chooses when the calls and text messages will be blocked. Calls can still come through if Bluetooth is detected, allowing for the use of hands-free headsets. This app uses an incentive system that rewards the driver with local merchant deals when activating and using the app. Also included in this app is a system for Amber Alert notifications for missing children.

The creators of these apps are making serious efforts to improve the safety of today’s roadways. When used correctly, these apps do make a big difference. However, some issues still exist when it comes to using the apps.

The first obvious issue is that these apps are not available to everyone. Some apps are only available on certain operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.) and only available through certain providers (Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.). It is likely that you would be able to find one app that would work on your smartphone, but it may not be the most effective.

This leads to another issue: Not all who use his or her cell phone while driving have a Smartphone. Apps are usually only available on internet ready Smartphones. Though the number of people who own smart phones is on the rise, there are still many who have yet to upgrade.

One issue with the applications that activate automatically while driving via GPS is that they lack a way to distinguish between driver and passenger. Some counter this by having ways to unlock the phone while moving. Some apps require a puzzle to be solved or a text message to be received from a parent to override the lock. This can be quite tedious if you are a passenger. A driver may even try to solve the puzzle or disable the lock, which could become more distracting than using the phone would be in the first place.

The apps that do not activate automatically rely on the person remembering and deciding to activate it. It is a reckless act to use a cell phone while driving. Those who have a tendency to do so are not as likely to be responsible enough to activate the app before driving.

All in all, these apps mean well and likely do help reduce distracted driving in some cases. For instance, anti-texting applications are very useful for the worried parent with a teenage driver. Maybe with future advancements these apps can be more effective, but for now they should not be the sole means to reduce distracted driving. That responsibility falls on the driver to practice safe, attentive driving with minimal distractions.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, contact David Resnick & Associates, PC. We serve accident victims in the metropolitan New York area and beyond.

Call us at (212) 279-2000 or fill out our online contact form.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.