Phone App Reports Those Who Text and Drive

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorists who text while driving, are 23 times more likely to get into an accident than those who don’t engage in texting.  These statistics have prompted 44 states, including South Carolina, to make the practice illegal. 

With the new law, South Carolina has a uniform statewide ban that applies no matter where a motorist might be driving.  And, while it sensibly bans texting for drivers of all ages, the legislature hopes that it will have a significant effect on teen texting. 

A recent federal report found that texting while driving ranks among the top risks for teens.  Teens are smoking and drinking less, but they are texting more.  The report indicates that 41 percent had texted or emailed while behind the wheel.  

To help “curb the urge”, several apps are now available which limit an individual’s need to text and drive.  Each application provides an automatic reply to incoming messages to let the sender know you are driving and unable to respond.  The apps can be downloaded to a Smart Phone from the vendor’s website or from Google Play.  Each vendor offers a FREE version, with some restrictions.  

DriveMode by AT&T sends a reply to incoming messages when the vehicle is moving at least 25mph.  The automatic-reply can respond to text messages, emails and wireless phone calls. 

Text-Star by Cinqpoint detects motion over 10mph and automatically sends a reply to incoming text messages and phone calls.      

DriveScribe by Drive Power sends an automatic reply to text messages. It also monitors and scores driving performance.

DriveSafe.ly by iSpeech automatically replies to the sender then reads the incoming text message out loud.

The Sheriff’s Office does not endorse any of the above applications; but, per Sheriff Skipper, “Parents may want to check into the capabilities and limitations of each of these products.  It couldn’t hurt and it may save your child’s life.” 

NOTE:  We wish to thank Mr. Marshall Ashley of Anderson for bringing these options to our attention.