We had earlier penned post pertaining to the StartTalking smartphone application released for the Android Market by AdelaVoice. Another software entitled the SafeCellapp was launched a little while back to counter the increasing number of distracted driving incidents. This app has been designed for the Android and iPhone platforms, while the company is still working on its BlackBerry version.
The application reminds users about the local no-text and no-cell rules and alerts them on entering known school zones. Moreover, cash rewards are given to those who’ve abided to all the rules. It automatically disables the functions like phone, messaging and email, on 98 percent of Android smartphones once the driver crosses the 5 m.p.h. speed limit. Touted to be the only app which uses GPS technology to push current laws in place for users’ locations by the company.
“Mobile devices have changed every aspect of how we live and interact with others. But too many of us find it impossible to ignore our phones when we are behind the wheel,” stated Scott Taylor, SafeCellapp co-founder and chief information officer. “Despite the increased awareness of the problem, people are not changing their driving behavior. This application takes the decision making out of the equation, allowing people to decide to drive safely at the beginning of their trip, rather than wrestling with the urge to answer the phone or check their texts once they’re already on the road.”
Additionally, this offering displays a proprietary database of federal, state, county, and city cell phone usage laws taken from the National Regulation Repository. Equipped with the Continuous Visual Advisory ability, this driving solution can send real-time alerts to handset owners as they enter locations which have local restrictions on text or cell phone usage. The application activates once the driver exceeds a 5 m.p.h. speed.
Interestingly, this app rewards good driving with cash-equivalent rewards that can be traded for over 2,000 different products like merchandise, charitable donations, gift cards, and Ecerts. Some of the retail partners include Barnes & Noble Amazon and Apple. However, users need to keep in mind that if they fail to comply with the regulations then reward points will be deducted. Every one mile driven without breaking rules adds one point. The app utilizes Trip Tracker’s web-based trip tracking, logging mechanisms and proprietary to record trip details along with users text, phone, and email usage. These reports can be monitored by handset owners.
“While the reward program with SafeCellapp will be attractive to everyone, the hope is that it’s a program that finally offers driver’s an incentive to refrain from distracted driving behavior. It keeps you safe, legal, and pays you back,” asserted Tina Pantoja, SAFECELLapp co-founder and president.
The SAFECELLapp for iPhone has some additional features wherein it is GPS and software enabled. It offers 911 override, passenger disable function and voice prompts for cell laws. The iPhone app is compatible with iOS 3.0 or later. On the other hand, the Android version can be operated on devices released October 2010 onwards. This version of the app bundles up attributes like speed engagement, 911 override, voice prompts for cell laws, passenger disable function and many more. It responds with automated “in-transit” message and blocks calls as well as texting. The Android app is also GPS and software enabled. The BlackBerry version will work on devices launched around the time of late Fall, 2010.
iPhone owners can access the SafeCellapp from the App Store and activate it by shelling out $11.99. This software’s license needs to be renewed every year for the same cost. On purchasing it before December 27, 2010, iPhone users will have to pay only a one-time fee and get a lifetime license coupled with free upgrades. By early October Android users can also avail this app.