Most of us carry our smartphone with us everywhere that we go, and this includes while driving. Although you don't really need specific laws to tell you that texting or using the phone while driving is a terribly bad idea, there are several apps that actually aid in making your commute a lot safer. In this post, we take a look at some of the best apps in the market that enable safe driving.
This post only covers apps for Android. If you are looking for apps for your iPhone, you can check out our post on the top apps to prevent texting and driving and mobile apps to end distracted driving.
Best Apps for Safe Driving (Android)
No Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is a no-no, anybody knows that! But its quite hard to resist picking up the phone when a message or call comes in while driving. This app helps you curb that temptation. When a new message is received, you can have the app speak it out to you. The app will also send a message to the sender stating that you are driving. You can customize the app to set a custom reply, turn on/off the auto reply and text to speech features, or modify the speed of the speech.
Safe Driving + Auto SMS
Safe Driving + Auto SMS is a handy alternative to the above app as it also offers a range of options to avoid texting while driving. You can set customized replies for each contacts on your emergency list, set a list of people you don't want to reply to while driving, and set an auto text response only for calls or only for messages. The free version also offers options to set different time ranges for different profiles. If you want an MMS feature or a text to speech service you can try the Pro version.
iOnRoad Augmented Driving Lite
iOnRoad is an award winning app that uses your smartphone’s nativecamera, GPS and sensors to alert you ahead of any potential collisions. It provides both audio and visual alerts even if you are drifting off the highway, especially when you are swerving, are under the influence, feeling faint, yelling constantly at the mischievous kids in the backseat or otherwise distracted. It also offers some cool extra benefits like auto detecting where you parked your car and works great with popular nav apps like Waze and Garmin Nuvi and parking apps such as MyCar Locator and Car Home.
Drive Safely
This is yet another popular app that reads your text messages and email so you don't have to pick up the phone while driving. It is bluetooth and radio transmitter compatible and can even read text messages shorthand. With Drive safe.ly, you keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and commute safely. The app also promises to never slow down your battery. The app is not available on Google Play but you can use your email address to get it here.
Sprint Drive First
Sprint Drive First lets parents worry less about their teens texting while driving. The app detects when the kids are driving and automatically silences the phone. It also auto replies texts and calls so you stay focused on the road while driving. Parents can lock the app to prevent it from being uninstalled and configure the app to allow 3 VIP contacts (like family) to contact you. Others will receive an automatic message that you're on the road. The app supports Bluetooth and calls through other hand free devices.
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Android Auto
Google's Android Auto has a simple, intuitive interface that is designed to do more with the phone with voice inputs. The app uses cards to show up information such as the distance to your destination or what song is coming up next on your music player. Google Maps offers voice guided navigation, lane guidance and more, while Google Play Music integration allows you to stream and listen to songs using voice technology. Android Auto also integrates with a ton of other apps allowing for easy access to them with minimum distraction.
Honk
Honk is an app that should come to your aid in roadside emergencies. If you need a tire change or find yourself locked out of your car or need a fuel service, Honk should provide you with all the assistance you need for a price. The app promises delivery of services across the U.S within 15 to 30 minutes of honking and the service is available 24x7, 7 days a week. Prices start as low as $49.
Urgent.ly Roadside Assistance
?This is another roadside assistance service that lets you travel without worrying about any incidents that may happen on your journey, such as a mechanical issues or a dead battery. With just a few taps you can get the service providers to identify your location and provide you with the services you need. You'll also get confirmation when help is on the way.The service is available across America 24/7, on-demand with a flat-rate pricing.
Download Urgent.ly Roadside Assistance
Although the last two apps don't directly relate to safe driving, they are most handy to have around should you get stuck with an unfortunate problem and need help.
Apps for safe driving aren't perfect. In fact, they are completely unnecessary. If you are disciplined, care enough for yourself, your family and fellow drivers, these frivolous distractions can easily be ignored. After all, any call or message can wait for a few minutes to be returned. Or if you want to scratch the itch, you can simply park your car, answer the call, and be on your way.
For everyone else, there are apps!
If you use an app that you found very useful, please do share them with us in the comments section.
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