How would you like to control whether your teen can text and drive?
Many drivers, especially novice drivers, know the dangers of texting while driving—yet they continue doing it. Now, there is an app that can control this behavior.
Luckily, recent technology has provided us with a way to completely stop drivers from texting while driving. There are now applications that can be downloaded through your smart phone that work with your GPS to shut off text messaging. Once your GPS picks up that you are moving faster than a certain speed, it shuts off the phone’s capabilities to text and call.
Here is a rundown of some of the most popular Apps (available for a small fee) to get your teen to stop texting while driving.
-iZUP – This app is one of the most restrictive. IZUP completely disables your phone except to dial 911 or one of three other pre-approved numbers.
-tXtblocker – This software allows you to set time and location restrictions for texting or other cell phone use. A list of pre-approved numbers can also be dialed at anytime.
-CellSafety – This app disables your cell phone while you’re driving and can be set up to block text messages in certain “zones” such as school. There is a wide variety of parental controls and GPS tracking.
-Textecution– Once your GPS detects that you are moving faster than 10mph, it disables your texting. If you are a passenger, or riding a bus, you can ask for permission to text from the account administrator who would be able to override the software.
-Otter– Like the other apps, Otter offers the ability to disable phone capabilities when it detects the phone reaching a certain speed, with the option to send an automated text reply. The app also offers parent-enabled pass codes, and a manual mode that lets busy users quickly offer a preprogramed reply.
Young drivers represent the future of road safety. And even though laws for texting while driving and using a cell phone differ from state to state, it’s always a good idea to encourage your teens to put the phone down while driving.