5 Apps for New Drivers #FordDriveSafe
This post was written as part of the #FordDriveSafe program. All opinions are my own.
This was the look on my son’s face as he shared with me that he passed the driving test. If you had turned the camera around back at me, I probably had a similar look mixed with pure terror (hidden behind my smiling face).
We had done our part with the hours of driving instruction and the years of being a good role models. It was now up to him to use good judgment and be as safe as he could.
When we called in to add our son to our insurance policies our agent informed us of a free driving program for teens called Teen Safe Driver.
Basically in a nut shell, a camera was installed in our son’s car. It would turn on and record only when it detected unsafe driving. My husband and I would receive weekly updates on his driving and if there happened to be an event logged, we could watch the video with our son and discuss how he could have been safer. The few videos we did receive showed us his point of view and it also showed us what HE was doing (front and back cameras).
I realize that programs like this are not available with all insurance carriers, but even if you don’t have access to that particular program there are several others available as well as apps that help teach, guide and protect your teen driver while behind the wheel. .
Here are a few app that can help your new driver stay safe:
1) Safe Driving : Free or Pro Version .99 (for iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad): This app will monitor the location and driving practices of your newly licensed teen. Set it up to alert you via text or email when kids exceed speed and it will show where the infraction occurred.
2) Cell Control: The app is free, the plug in device runs $119-$129. (for Apple iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Brew and Microsoft Windows Mobile): Plug the component into the vehicle, download the app, set up control and Cell Control will detect when the vehicle is in use and will eliminate mobile distractions. Regardless of vehicle location, wireless access or GPS availability – Cell Control works. You, as the parent, can customize how the phone is to be used when the vehicle is in motion. You can allow specific applications such as navigation and music. You can be as restrictive or permissive as you’d like.
3) Steer Clear Mobile: Free (for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad (teens without a mobile device can complete the program online at statefarm.com): Insurance company based program for drivers 25 and under. Install the plug in device and allow the company to monitor your driving. This app teaches young drivers proper driving procedures and increases eligibility for State Farm Insurance discounts. Other features: Logs driving time, mileage, and road conditions so kids can measure their progress.
4) DriveScribe: Free (for iOS and Android): DriveScribe transforms your mobile phone into a personal safe driving coach. Get real-time driving help, reduce distractions, see how you perform and earn rewards for driving safely – with our mobile and web application. It uses GPS, social media, real-time voice feedback and a jamming function to block texts and calls. The app will tell drivers to slow down if they’re going too fast.
5) RoadReady: Free (for IOS): RoadReady logs teen driving practice during the Learner’s Permit phase. The app provides an easy, efficient way to ensure teens have enough experience behind the wheel in a variety of conditions before they begin to drive independently.
I must say that by far the best experience my son has had while learning to drive was attending the Ford Driving Skills for Life driving program. If you haven’t checked out their program, it’s a must. Their traveling program teaches newly licensed teen drivers the skills they need to be safe on the road. He learned how distracted and impaired driving effects him as well as how to handle the car in multiple situations. I feel more confident in his ability to handle unexpected events. A less stressed mom = a more relaxed and focused teen driver!
These are some great apps for new drivers but also for experienced drivers. We get caught in the idea that as adults we don’t do some of these same bad habits.
So true! I was thinking the same thing. In fact, sometimes I think adults are worse than new drivers!
I didn’t realize there were so many driving apps out there! I like the idea of the camera though, to see how your new driver is doing, and to see where they need to improve.
I wish I knew this was around. This could have saved good friends of ours a LOT of grief when their teen began to drive!
I did a Ford Driving Skills for Life day and it changed my life. I learned so much about safe driving, and I’m an adult. I think everyone should go through this course!
These are pretty handy apps! I am going to share them with my niece.
Love all these apps! I’m lucky enough that I still have 7 more years before my oldest is ready to drive.
Congrats to your son! We are a few years away from the fears of having a teen driver, but it’s reassuring to know that there are apps and services available.
I would have loved to have these apps available when my stepdaughter started driving. My mind would have been so much calmer.
These are some wonderful apps for first time drivers. Thanks for sharing these!
Very interesting post. It is a shame that “cell control” is so expensive. That is one app that every car should have. There are too many drivers driving around on their phones thinking that they are good enough to do both.
My kids are 6 years away from driving and I am NOT ready. But I think I will be when the time comes because of great apps like the ones you’ve shared today.
It’s funny, the idea of driving when I was a teenager was no big deal. The thought of my kids driving? Terrifying! And, in theory it’s only like 8 years away. These apps sound very useful for new and seasoned drivers.
These are all great apps. We are 6 years away from our first driving and I don’t even want to think about it. Knowing all these great apps are out there, makes me happy because that means in 6 years, there will be a lot more!
My nephew is currently learning to drive with his drivers permit. I’m going to tell my brother about these apps because they may want to try one when he has his license. Thanks for the list!
Congratulations to your new driver! What an exciting time for him, and scary time for you! lol
What a great list. Fortunately, I have nine years to go! Congrats to your son.
Wow I love that camera deal! That sounds so helpful! These apps all sound great. I especially like the one that allows you to monitor and set restrictions on what aspects of the phone may be used while driving. My 17 year old daughter has now been driving for a year and she is conscientious and focused but a little extra safety and feedback could never hurt.
I love the Cell Control app. It would make me feel a bit better knowing I can control how my childs phone is used while they are driving.
My boys are far from teens so I won’t have to worry about this for quite sometime, however I am SO glad to see apps that can help with safety.
I totally agree about the Driving Skills for Life program. I checked that out last year and it was fantastic!
I only have 5 years left before I will have that same look of terror! I think it’s awesome there are so many apps available to help make young drivers safer.
I love the apps. I wish that this was available when my kids were new drivers!
Wow, that is wonderful. Congratulations to your son! 🙂
My kids still have years before they enter the driving stage, but most of these apps would be great for adult drivers as well. It seems everywhere I look someone is texting and driving!