Use Technology to Stay Safe Offline
Usually, when we talk about technology and keeping you and your family safe, we are talking about your computer and the Internet. But, technology doesn't stop there! 
Today's phones are more and more like mini-super computers and they are helping families stay safe.
Texting while driving is a serious problem, especially among teenagers. Despite laws banning talking and texting on cell phones while driving, over 150 billion text messages fly back and forth each month, and drivers still admit to sending a portion of them while behind the wheel. Studies have shown texting while driving increases the chance of an accident by 23 times and more people view another driver texting while driving as a very serious threat to their safety than if that driver was intoxicated!
What Can You Do To Stop Your Teen From Texting and Driving?
Some parents are taking steps to help keep their teens, and other drivers on the road, safe by installing special apps on their teenager’s smart phones.
Below is a list of apps and computer programs (listed alphabetically) you can install on your teen's phone to prevent dangerous texting and driving. When selecting an application, we recommend choosing one that allows the user to make 911 calls and call preapproved (such as the parent's) phone numbers .
| Cellcontrol: |
Uses a small, easy to install device inside the car to detect movement and stop the use of cell phones. |
| CellSafety: |
This application stops texting while driving, send you speed alerts, creates no texting zones (such as at school), location history, and blocks unwanted websites and texts based on 11,000 potentially harmful terms and phrases. |
| DriveSafe.ly: |
This free app sends text messages and emails using your voice and reads incoming messages out loud so you keep your hands off the phone and on the wheel. |
| iZUP: |
Holds texts, emails and phone calls while driving. Calls are sent to voice mail and text messages are delivered when the vehicle comes to a stop. Allows 911 calls and whitelist numbers. |
| Key2SafeDriving: |
Uses a small Activator to detect movement and puts phones is a "Safe Driving Mode" until the drive is stopped. |
| OTTER: |
Uses One Touch Text Response buttons, blocks cell phone use and sends auto replies during preset times, such as rush hour or during the work day. |
| Sprint Drive First: |
Available to Sprint's Android users for a small monthly fee, this program locks the phone's screen, redirects calls, and blocks texts while the driver is in motion. |
| StopTxting: |
A free, downloadable application for Android phones that prevents sending or reading texts or emails. |
| Textecution: |
Disables text usage while driving. If your teen tries to disable or uninstall the application, you are notified. |
| T-Mobile's DriveSmart: |
A paid upgrade for T-Mobile customers that allows for the phone to be locked while the car is in motion. |
| tXtBlocker: |
Stops texting while driving and allows you to set up "No Cell Zones" that limit cell phone use based on specific locations and times. |
| Vlingo: |
Use voice commands to control your phone. Free with paid upgrades. |
Software applications can only do so much to keep our teens safe. Don't forget to lead by example and talk to your teens about the dangers of driving distracted.
*Geeks On Call and Turn Key Office do not endorse and are not affiliated with any of the above applications or companies. This list is purely for informational purposes.