App-Based Solutions for Distracted Driving in MA

Did you know that a simple app could help you avoid distractions while driving? Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, but technology now offers solutions that make it easier to stay focused on the road.

What is distracted driving, and why is it dangerous?

Distracted driving happens when a motorist does anything that takes their attention away from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to serious accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that tens of thousands of Americans have died in preventable distracted driving accidents over the past decade.

Distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic signals, other vehicles, and pedestrians. A delayed reaction can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and causing one. There are three main types of driving distractions, which include:

• Visual distractions: Anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road, such as reading a text, looking at a GPS, or checking a dashboard display, is a visual distraction.
• Manual distractions: Any action that makes a driver take their hands off the steering wheel, such as texting, eating, or reaching for items inside the vehicle, counts as a manual distraction.
• Cognitive distractions: A cognitive distraction is anything that takes a driver’s mind off driving, such as talking on the phone or thinking about something other than the road ahead.

Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of driving distractions. It requires a driver to look at their phone, use their hands, and think about something other than driving. According to the NHTSA, a driver traveling at 55 miles per hour can cover the length of a football field in the time it takes to read or send a text message.

Distracted driving does not just put drivers at risk. It endangers passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Many states, including Massachusetts, have laws that restrict phone use while driving to reduce these risks and keep everyone on the road safer.

Massachusetts’ hands-free driving law

Massachusetts banned the use of handheld electronic devices while driving with a law that took effect on February 23, 2020. This law applies to all drivers. It prohibits holding a phone, texting, emailing, using the internet, or watching videos on a handheld device while driving. Drivers may only use electronic devices in hands-free mode.

Drivers 18 and over can use voice commands and a single tap or swipe to activate hands-free mode while driving. Drivers must mount their devices on the dashboard, windshield, or center console to use them in hands-free mode. Handheld phone use is only legal when the car is parked in a safe location off public travel lanes.

Drivers under 18 cannot use electronic devices in any way while driving, even in hands-free mode. However, the law makes an exception for emergencies and allows drivers to call 911 when necessary.

The penalties for violating Massachusetts’ hands-free law increase with each offense. A first offense results in a $100 fine. A second offense is punishable by a $250 fine and mandatory participation in a driver education program. Third and subsequent offenses can lead to a $500 fine, mandatory driver education, and an insurance surcharge.

How apps can reduce the risk of driving distractions

Cell phone use is a major driving distraction, but mobile apps exist that can actually reduce distracted driving risks. Many of these apps block calls, texts, and internet access while a vehicle is in motion. Some apps also track driving habits, including speed and sudden stops, and provide reports to parents of teen drivers or employers who want to monitor work-related driving. These tools help drivers stay focused by removing the temptation to use their phones behind the wheel.

Cell phone blocking apps can be activated through wireless plans, downloaded to smartphones, or installed as vehicle software. Some apps use geofencing to block phone functions when a vehicle is moving. Emergency access remains available in all blocking apps, so drivers can make 911 calls if necessary. Some apps also allow a small list of approved numbers to reach the driver, though safety experts do not recommend enabling these features.

Drivers looking for reliable apps should consider factors such as the ability to block all phone functions, compatibility with device operating systems, impact on battery life, and ease of use. You should also check the default settings before choosing an app, as some only block texting unless adjusted manually.

Free distraction-blocking apps

Numerous free mobile apps are available to help drivers reduce distractions and stay safe on the road. Many of them include features for parents who want to monitor their teen drivers. Below are some of the most popular apps that can prevent distracted driving:

• OnMyWay (Apple/Android) disables text and app alerts while users are driving over 10 mph, except for calls via Bluetooth. It allows friends and family to track the driver’s location and arrival time, which removes the need to send updates manually. The app also offers cash rewards to users for keeping their phones locked while driving.
• SAFE 2 SAVE (Apple/Android) encourages safe driving with a points-based reward system. It awards two points per minute of distraction-free driving, which users can redeem for discounts at local businesses. The app also includes a competitive mode that allows friends, family, and coworkers to compare safe driving scores.
• LifeSaver (Apple/Android) locks phone features while driving to eliminate distractions. It includes a parental control option to prevent teens from bypassing restrictions. The app can also send text or email alerts when the driver reaches their destination.

Contact a distracted driving accident lawyer in Massachusetts

Even if you take precautions like using technology to reduce your risk of distracted driving, other drivers can still cause these dangerous accidents. If you have been in an accident involving a distracted driver in Massachusetts, you could have grounds for an injury claim. A car accident lawyer from Breakstone, White & Gluck can help you explore your options, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation.