Smartphone Apps Could Help Cut Car Accidents

Smartphones are great at many things, but unfortunately, one of those things is causing distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and accident-related injuries in the United States, and as a result, many smartphone makers have decided to find ways to make their devices safer for drivers. Below are examples of some apps that are on the market today that assist drivers in remaining safe while still enjoying the benefits of their smartphones:

Texting Locks

Texting lock apps work by using global positioning satellite technology to detect the speed at which a smartphone is traveling in a vehicle. Once the speed of the smartphone crosses a certain threshold, the app automatically locks the phone’s texting abilities, and this means that drivers won’t be able to send or receive texts while driving. Once the smartphone reaches a slower speed, the texting feature is automatically unlocked and the driver can then freely use the texting function again. This app not only removes the ability to be distracted by texting behind the wheel, but it also removes the temptation for a driver to mess with his or her smartphone while in motion.

Automatic Deferment

Another app that can keep people safe while driving is an app that automatically diverts calls while the vehicle and smartphone are in motion. This type of app functions similarly to the texting lock app in that it automatically senses when a smartphone is moving at highway speeds, and once this happens, the app is triggered and it automatically diverts all incoming calls to voicemail, thus the driver isn’t distracted by phone calls.

Insurance Apps

Many insurance companies are also getting involved with app development by putting out apps that include specific functions for their customers. Many of these apps allow drivers who have been involved in accidents to take pictures of the damage, exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident and even file a claim on the spot.

These apps help to protect drivers from false claims that may be made against them, and many also include features that automatically summon medical help. They can also be useful should you need to bring in an attorney, for example a car accident lawyer in Houston, to help you claim for damages.  Being able to immediately provide photographic evidence and details of the other driver can really help speed up the claims process.

Navigation

Aside from distracted driving, being lost is another common cause for accidents. Drivers who are lost or who are unfamiliar with a particular area often tend to cause accidents because they aren’t aware of specific hazards that local drivers may know about. To help solve this issue, smartphone app developers have created map and navigation apps that help drivers get directions, see a graphical representation of the road ahead and more. These apps generally work with global positioning satellites, so even in areas where a data signal is not present, a driver using a navigation app can still benefit from its features.

Keep in mind that while smartphone apps can help you to stay safe while driving, you should never try to operate them while on the move. For example, if you’re using a navigation app, make sure that you enter all of your location and destination data before you actually start to move, and if things need to be altered, find a safe spot to pull over before making any changes. Your goal behind the wheel is to focus on safely piloting your vehicle, so never let a smartphone or its apps cause you to create an accident. 

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Author Georgina Clatworthy writes informative legal articles to help others navigate what can seem to be a complicated legal system. She has a strong interest in how technology can help improve lives, from smartphone apps for grocery shopping to localized mobile search features which can help you find anything from a car accident lawyer in Houston to a florist in Maine.