Distracted driving seems to be an unavoidable fact of contemporary life, even though it is a hazardous reality. While most are aware of the cellphone laws in Florida, studies have proven that the habit of constantly looking down at our phones is hard to break. Unfortunately, motorists see their time driving as a way to catch up, not to put their phones down. With the constant influx of texts, social media messages, and alerts, the phone is hard to ignore – and even just utilizing a GPS can cause a lot of distraction.
To fight the distracted driving epidemic, Florida drivers are looking for new tools to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Driving Apps and Software
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we lose approximately 3,100 U.S. citizens per year to distracted driving. What makes that statistic especially troubling is that these are fatalities are entirely preventable. If the at-fault drivers were not looking at their phones, nearly all of these accidents would not have happened. While legislation has helped lower the annual death rate, laws have not stopped people from distracted driving.
It is important to note that while cellphones represent the main threat in regards to distracted driving accidents, most new devices offer apps explicitly created to maintain a driver’s focus on the road. In addition to utilizing Bluetooth devices while driving, motorists should consider installing the following technological tools.
Do Not Disturb: All late-model iPhones (Apple iOS 11) integrate Do Not Disturb While Driving. The app will silence all incoming calls and notifications, allowing drivers to remain focused on the task at hand. Text messages are also silenced and can send an auto-reply until you have the opportunity to respond. Users can configure this function in several ways. It can be automatically turned on when your car reaches a certain speed, can be set to activate when your phone connects to your vehicle via Bluetooth or connects to CarPlay. You can also enable the function manually. Do Not Disturb While Driving can be overridden for 911 calls.
Android Auto: Android Auto is incorporated into most Android smartphones and is an intuitive app that uses Google Assistant software to complete tasks hands-free. Drivers can utilize either Bluetooth or speakerphone to reply to text messages, make calls, or adjust their music. While it is not as comprehensive as other apps, it does help keep a driver-focused and off the screen.
Drive Mode: This third-party Android app has provided easy hands-free controls for drivers who need assistance paying attention to the job at hand. The app also has a Do Not Disturb mode, which will block all texts and calls while the app is active.
Lifesaver: This third-party app works on iPhones and Android phones alike. It blocks texts, calls, and notifications while your car is moving. This app allows employers to keep their delivery drivers compliant with the law and parents to make sure their teenagers are safe. Through parent accounts, parents can monitor their teen’s habits and can see if they use their cell phones while driving.
Who Should Use This Technology?
We are all tempted to multitask while in the car. But even a glance away from the road can put everyone on the road at risk. Given the devastation that a distracted driving accident can set in motion, everyone should learn to ignore the cell phone while driving. All drivers can therefore benefit from these apps.
If you have been injured in a car crash and the other driver is guilty of distracted driving, call the expert attorneys at Probinsky & Cole. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
