Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of accidents and injuries, particularly among teen drivers. Ohio law forbids temporary learner permit drivers from any kind of wireless communication device while driving, including all handheld and hands-free cell phones and text messaging devices. Adults are also forbidden from texting and driving.
We encourage all parents to make the rule that if the engine is on, phones and devices are off, and we encourage you to set a good example as well.
What Else Can a Parent Do?
Setting a good example and driving home the rules are a great place to start. Teens need to know that this is a serious issue, and that you stand in support of the law and expect your teen to comply.
There’s an App for That
Additionally, there are a number of apps that can automatically restrict cellphone capabilities while in motion in a car. Here’s a rundown of a number of distracted driving application that you may want to explore.
Apps that block texting while driving
Designed for parents, Cellcontrol is a subscription -based service that features a based service that features a device inserted under the dashboard and an accompanying app that blocks your teen from sending or receiving texts while driving. It also disables other phone features while the car is in motion, such as using email or accessing the camera. You’ll get a text or or email alert in CellControl is deactivated or removed. (Android and iOS).
Also designed with parents in mind, this app prevents emailing and texting while driving. It can notify a parent or guardian when the phone is in use and if the driver shuts off the app while on the road. (Android and iOS).
Live2Txt is an app that lets you block incoming texts and calls when driving. Turn the app on when you get behind the wheel and it will silence your smartphone from incoming notifications, texts and calls. When you receive a message, the app will alert the sender with a customizable message that you’re unable to respond at the moment. (Android only).
Other Apps that Encourage Safe Driving
SafeDrive rewards you for not texting while driving. Simply open the app whenever you are behind the wheel, and it will automatically start rewarding you with points you can use toward discounts at participating stores if you are traveling at least 6 MPH. The app tracks the number of points based on driving speed, time spent in traffic and distance traveled. (Android and iOS).
Drivemode’s user interface is is easy to access out of the corner of your eye, and text messages are turned into audio – your phone reads incoming messages aloud with the touch of a button. Swipe through canned responses to send a text back. The big, “no-look” interface runs atop any app you’re using and breaks your phone down into various functions: music, calls, apps, destinations and messages. (Android only).
In a similar vein, DriveSafe.ly features One Tap operation and auto-on functionality that lets users seamlessly interact with their phone while driving. DriveSafe.ly announces callers by name, reads text messages and emails aloud, and can be set to auto-respond without the driver needing to touch the device. (Android only).
These are just a few of the apps that are currently on the market. New apps are being released all the time, so you may want to search the Google Play or Apple Stores for new apps that become available.
About Overmyer Hall Associates
Overmyer Hall Associates is one of the fastest growing agencies in the country, quickly becoming one of the largest property and casualty insurance agencies in Central Ohio. Overmyer Hall Associates provides clients with insurance and risk management, specializing in Business Insurance, Surety Bonding, and Home & Auto Insurance. Since its founding in 2011, the firm has been awarded Columbus Business First’s "Fast 50" and "Best Places to Work" awards, the IIABA’s “Best Practices Agency” recognition, Columbus CEO Magazine’s “Best Insurance Broker” and the Columbus Young Professionals Club’s “Wonderful Workplace for Young Professionals” award. www.oh-ins.com