tech

Will a 'Text Stop' Like This Stop Drivers from Texting? This New Yorker Thinks So.

Drivers in New York will soon be seeing something rather different along the road soon. All to accommodate texting habits. Good idea?

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Drivers in New York will soon be seeing something different along the road soon: text stops!

"It can wait!"

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced "texting zones" to the state’s highways this week in order to prevent accidents caused by motorists who send text messages while driving.

mashable.com

He announced that there are now 91 'Texting Zone' areas along NY's major highways and thruways.

dailymail.co.uk

'Texting and driving could cost someone their life, but these 'text stops' will cost absolutely nothing to build as they are already exist in the form of rest stops and parking areas.

parade.com

The texting zones initiative is part of the state’s ongoing attempt to crack down on distracted drivers.

theglobeandmail.com

The signs will say “Text Stop” and “It can wait,” and both will note how far away the nearest texting zone, pull off, or rest stop is located

“These Zones will be identified with signs along the Thruway and State Highways, reminding drivers that there is a nearby opportunity for them to legally and safely use their phone.”

parade.com

“With this new effort, we are sending a clear message to driver that there is no excuse to take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road,” said the governer

dailyme.com

According to Texting and Driving Safety, 23% of automobile accidents in the United States are now attributed to cellphones. That’s 1.3 million crashes!

mobilemag.com

Meanwhile, there is also a new app called "LifeSaver" that prevents texting-while-driving

It simply prevents the user from texting while the car is in motion. Parents can install the app on their kids’ phones and will receive an alert if it’s suddenly turned off while the teen is driving.

cbs8.com

As added incentive, teen drivers that comply to the app’s rules will earn rewards, like iTunes gift cards.

theglobeandmail.com

Currently, the Lifesaver app is only available for Android phones, but a version for iPhones will be coming soon.

cbs8.com

Additionally, here's a list of 5 other such apps to prevent texting-while-driving

DriveOFF: The Android app by car insurance company Esure can detect when drivers are traveling at more than 10 mph, and will shut off other apps that could be distracting, as well as temporarily halt incoming calls and text messages. The free app also displays a static screensaver, that gives your teen even less of a reason to glance at their phone.

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DriveMode: This app from AT&T, a company that's been particularly vocal about the dangers of texting and driving, automatically launches once the car is moving at more than 25 mph. The app responds to all incoming texts and emails, letting the sender know the recipient is driving and will get back to them soon. All beeps and other tempting sounds that indicate a new message will be temporarily disabled. Any calls to the phone are sent directly to voicemail. The free app is available for AT&T customers with Android and BlackBerry devices.

Image via mshcdn.com

TextBuster: The TextBuster system requires the installment of a hardware device into your teen's car. The password-protected app notifies the hardware every time they enter their car and temporarily disables text messaging, email and Internet access while the vehicle is moving. The phone can still make and receive calls, and the GPS mapping functions still work, so this app might be best for a driver with some self-control. The free app is available for Android devices. The hardware device needed to use the app is currently on sale for $179 from $199.95.

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DriveScribe: This free app turns cellphones into safe-driving devices and is a great tool for parents who want a more hands-on approach when it comes to their teens and distracted driving. DriveScribe monitors the driver's speed, and blocks text messages and calls while the car is in motion. The app will also tell drivers to slow down if they're going too fast. It's up to the driver to tap "start trip" before driving, then "end trip" when reaching the destination. Parents can also access a report to see if the driver exceeded speed limits or ran any stop signs.

Image via mshcdn.com

CANARY: This app lets parents see their child's cellphone use in real time, so they can know if their son or daughter uses the phone while driving more than 12 mph. The app also records times when the cellphone was used, and sends parents a warning if their teen drives into an area they've established as off-limits. Parents will also be notified if their teen disables Canary. The free app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Image via mshcdn.com

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