We all know texting and driving is bad news. Admit it; you’ve probably done it before. In this day and age, we are obsessed with our phones. We are constantly bombarded by messages but there are certain times where we need to think of our safety first. Did you know you are 23 times more likely to get in an accident when you are texting and driving than if you resist the urge? According to the United States Department of Transportation, that is the case. If you text at 55mph, it is like you are driving a full length of a football field blindfolded. This is an incredible risky decision people around the world make on a daily basis and is extremely dangerous. There are a couple apps we found that can help curb the temptation to text and drive.
Text-Star by Cinqpoint sends automatic responses to incoming texts that lets people know that you are driving and cannot get back to them right away. Before you head out on the road, you can select from a list of preset messages or create your own custom message that lets others know you are not available to respond at the moment. Although Text-Star is free, it is only available for Android devices. Cinqpoint says that it hopes to have an iOS version soon.
If your life is hectic and need to get to your messages ASAP, there is another app called DriveSafe.ly by iSpeech that reads your texts out loud so you can drive without picking up your phone and reading the text. This app helps you stay connected while reducing distracted driving by keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. This is also a free app so you have no excuse not to try it out.
When it comes down to it, a measly text message is not worth your life or other people’s safety. Text messages can wait, no text message is worth your life. There have been a couple shifts in creating apps like the ones above to help texting and driving at a minimum. Try them out and let us know what you think! It could be a matter of life and death.