Parenting Pointers: Safe Driving Tool

There's a big push lately to raise awareness of the role that distracted driving plays in car crashes, especially for teens. Right now, car crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens. Drive Power, a company designed to help people drive smartly, has launched a mobile application that will try to prevent distracted teen driving by coaching the driver and rewarding them for safe performances. It's kind of funny that the same tool that distracts so many drivers can be used to help them.

DriveScribe uses technology developed at the University of Minnesota, and provides real time driving coaching and immediate reports to parents. The app also has the ability of blocking incoming text and call distractions. it adds a rewards program that provides incentives to teens to drive safely by earning points and redeeming gift cards.

I had the chance to interview both a parent user of the app, and the CEO of the company, about the app.

From Kate R, a parent using the app:

1) How easy has it been to use the app? Fairly simple - it's very straight-forward. Tap to begin a trip, tap to end a trip. The dashboard is simple as well.

2) Do you really feel it's improved driving habits? Yes, we all improve our behavior when we are being monitored.

3) What's the biggest surprise you've discovered while using the app? What has surprised me most is the reaction my son had to the use of the app. He's relieved to have a safety coach in the car with him.

From William England, CEO:

1)    What was the inspiration behind creating the app? Our mission is to develop products that positively impact the lives of people. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens, and it seems like every time you turn on the local news there is another story about a new driver who has had a serious accident. DriveScribe addresses this serious problem by developing a technology that can create behavioral change around driving.

2)    What are some of the features of the app? First and foremost, DriveScribe is a real time driving coach, alerting you of the rules of the road and letting you know if your are speeding, for instance. As you drive, DriveScribe tracks your trip, scores how well you have driven and allows you to monitor your progress. You can also view your scores online and compare them with family members and friends. Best of all, the better you drive, the more rewards you earn, like gift cards to your favorite retailers.

3)    How does the app help, rather than distract, a driver? Using visual and verbal signals, DriveScribe gives automated, real time guidance as you drive so you can stay focused on the road and not your phone. DriveScribe also features an optional incoming message notification blocker on the Android platform, sending a customizable message to the sender that you are driving.

4)    What are the incentives for teens to use the app appropriately? We’re really excited about our recently expanded incentives program, which includes gift cards to some of the most popular retailers around. Parents of teens can put money into a rewards pot and the better their teen drives, the more rewards he or she earns. It’s a win-win – parents get peace of mind and teens earn great rewards for driving safely.

 

The app is free. If you have a teen driver, consider downloading it today!