Although cellphones have gotten a bad reputation in recent years as being a primary cause of distracted driving in the accidents that result across the United States, phone applications could actually help cut down on this dangerous behavior. Distracted driving accidents usually leave behind a wake of severe injuries and even death. Despite the fact that distracted driving accidents have gotten more press coverage in the past few years, these accidents can and do still occur with alarming frequency.

More than eight individuals suffer fatal injuries every single day across the United States as a result of distracted driving. A further 1,100 people are injured daily due to accidents with the distracted driver. Whether it is social media, a phone call or a text message, none of these behaviors are worth doing behind the wheel. AAA finds that teens are among the most likely age category to participate in distracted driving. Some of the most popular applications that can help parents of teens curb this dangerous behavior are Life Saver and AT&T’s DriveMode.

Both of these applications silence phone calls, notifications, and texts so that a driver can focus on the road in front of him or her. Parents can also get notifications when that app has been deleted or disabled. Both of these applications are popular among parents, who find it as an extra safety net to ensure that their teenage driver is not operating the phone behind the wheel. The Life Saver app allows parents to also track teen phone use while a car is being operated. A dashboard website established by the parent receives reports of any bad behavior. This allows parents to keep track of teenagers’ attempts to divert or avoid the system entirely.

Parents can play a critical role in helping to stop distracted driving by always modeling good behavior, but also installing these applications to help discourage use of the phone behind the wheel. Establishing a clear teen driving contract is another way to help promote positive and focused behavior and to prevent distracted driving accidents.