While smartphones have made it easier to connect with people and find places, they also pose a threat to our safety when used while driving. Distracted driving is defined as “driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving” and can be quite dangerous
According to the Center for Disease Control, “Every day in the United States, over 8 people are killed and 1,161 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.”
So, how do we change these statistics? How do we keep ourselves from reaching for our phones while driving? An app called EverDrive is here to help turn more people into safe drivers.
EverDrive is an app that was created by EverQuote, an auto insurance company. The app runs in the background, recording and scoring you while you drive.
According to their website, “EverDrive collects and analyzes driving data and from that data computes your acceleration, braking, cornering, speeding, and phone use. Then it uses that information to create an overall driving score. EverDrive calculates your score out of 100 based on the last two weeks of trips driven.”
To get started with the app simply download EverDrive and sign up using Facebook or an e
mail address. Next, the app will tell you a little bit about EverDrive and how it records its data. It will also ask you to give the app access to your location even when the app is not being used. Finally, start driving. The app will track and record the data from your first trip and score you based on how safely you drove.
In order to maximize your score, the app suggests that you, “drive at or near the posted speed limit, avoid harsh braking, avoid fast acceleration, don’t take corners quickly and don’t use your phone while driving. But, most of all always drive safely.” EverDrive does allow you to use navigation apps, like Google Maps, and Bluetooth devices while driving. The app also does not record cell phone usage while you are parked or stopped at a red light.
The app will ask for you to add your friends and family, which helps to create a little friendly competition in order to see who the safest driver in your friends group is. EverDrive’s website even notes that safe drivers might qualify for discounts on auto insurance. EverDrive could also be a great tool for teens who are just learning how to drive.
EverDrive is free and available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Featured Image by Damian Morys on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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