Test Drive: DriveSafely cell-phone application

Oct 7, 2009 4:32 PM

DriveSafely There is no question that operating a cell phone while driving is dangerous and texting is even worse. Sobering figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that show nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Texting is among the most hazardous behind-the-wheel behavior as it requires mental focus, takes your eyes off the road, and keeps a hand off the wheel. So the real question remains, what do to about it?

Analysts and experts at the Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C., discussed this very issue at length. As mobile communication technology becomes more common and affordable, steps need to be taken to mitigate the dangers. Many states are now pursuing legislation to govern texting while driving. (Read: “Making laws to reduce dangerous driver distractions.”)

While elected officials debate this issue, software developers are rolling out applications to help curb risky behavior on cell phones. One of the first to market is called Drivesafe.ly. It is a free application for BlackBerry and Android devices, with iPhone and Windows Mobile versions to follow.

We installed the free application on a T-Mobile MyTouch using the Android platform. As advertised, DriveSafe.ly reads text messages and e-mails aloud as they are received, either through the phone’s speaker or through a Bluetooth connection. It sends an automatic response to alert the sender that the recipient is driving, though the message will be read. The free version features a female voice reading up to 25 words, though there may be verbal ads included. It does recognize common abbreviations such as “BTW” and “LOL.” (See our DriveSafe.ly preview.)

A premium version will be offered for a one-time $13.95 fee, or $3.95 monthly subscription, that eliminates the ads and can read up to 500 words. It also includes a choice of male or female voices.

Bottom line
Drivesafe.ly is a relatively simple program that works well. The driver must choose to activate the software and thereby receive the potential safety benefits. This means that a concerned parent would not be able to use this software to prevent their teens from texting while driving, as the teen could simply deactivate the software.

Ultimately, the best technology for reducing the risks associated with texting and using a cell phone while driving is a simple, low-cost solution: Just turn the device off.

—Jeff Bartlett