Roadside Safety: Apps You Shouldn’t Drive Without

Smartphones are everywhere, and there’s no doubt that they make some tasks easier to manage. In fact, like many technological advancements that were out of the question even a few decades ago, some users find themselves wondering how they ever lived without the gadgets and apps that are now so ingrained in a normal day.

Driving is certainly one particular activity that should be separate from active smartphone usage, especially since several states have laws against using smartphones while driving. Also, the National Safety Council says that people who drive while talking on a cell phone are four times more likely to become involved in a crash. With that said, there are still several useful driving related apps that can make your time on the road more enjoyable, as long as you pull off onto the hard shoulder or into a parking lot before reaching for your smartphone. Read on to learn more about a few of these apps to download today. You’ll be glad you did.

Your Personal Driving Coach

Even the most experienced drivers can benefit from occasional help, and the DriveScribe app aims to keep you informed and safe. Like a GPS navigation system, it’s actually made to be used while you drive, and should work seamlessly, provided you take a few seconds to set it up before getting on the road. Available for free from the Apple Store or on Google Play, the program gives reminders about safe driving, and also lets you compare your driving performance with friends and family members. Over time, you can also accumulate points and redeem them at retailers.

A Defense Against Rising Fuel Costs

Prices at the pump have been climbing over recent years, and many drivers have been feeling the pinch. Fortunately, some apps are extremely practical, especially for drivers who want to save money on gas. IGasUp is one option that claims to have more than 110,000 stations in the database, so you can easily find fuel prices, addresses and more. It’s available for the iPhone and iPod touch, and will be subject to a renewal fee after one year. Looking for gas in a hurry? The app has a feature so you can hone in on the 10 closest stations to your current location.

Making it Easier to Prove Insurance Coverage

In many places throughout the world, drivers have to get car insurance, or be subject to a hefty fine. For example, Monkey.co.uk car insurance has a website that makes it simple for potential buyers to get quotes and start budgeting for how much it’ll cost to keep vehicles insured. Also, many smartphone offerings now have technology that allows policyholders to prove they are insured by doing nothing more than flashing the screen of their smartphones. This could come in handy if you’ve been pulled over by a highway patrolman and are already feeling flustered about producing the required paperwork.

Bringing Peace of Mind to New Drivers

You may have to think back a few decades, but surely can still recall how nerve-racking it is to be on the road as a new driver. It’s important for drivers of all experience levels to constantly be aware of traffic and changes in road conditions. Add all those considerations to the way that new drivers often wrack their brains to remember foundational principles before they become second nature, and it’s easy to see why educational apps can be extremely helpful for new or even vulnerable drivers.

The SWERVE Driving School has an app that aims to reinforce skills taught by driving teacher. It also has tools to get new drivers ready to take a theory or road test. It shouldn’t replace professional instruction, but think of it as a quick reference guide that’s at your fingertips whenever you’re in search of friendly reminders.

A Deterrent Against Distractions

The United States government warns that 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were said to be distracted behind the wheel. Although a distraction can come from another passenger or in-car devices like radios, mobile phones play a role, too. OneProtect is an app that disables a user’s smartphone once it detects that a car is in motion above a preselected speed. Also, it includes a test to verify a person’s attention level, and differentiates between passengers or drivers.

As these apps show, it’s possible to be a safe driver while also getting the most out of your smartphone. Start downloading these ideas today and give yourself the tools to be both tech-savvy and road smart.