TextArrest App makes driving safer

Texting and driving are a bad combination no matter who you are. Teens are especially susceptible given the sheer volume of their texting.

TextArrest is a clever new app that disables your phone’ when the device is in motion (over 5 mph).  TextArrest Free™ and TextArrest Family™ launched today at CTIA WIRELESS expo.  It keeps users safe while driving by disabling texting, instant messaging, calling, Web browing and other phone-based distractions.

Parents can add to their ability to manage their teens phones through Text Arrest’s subscription based service that offers more control.

The TextArrest Family version also includes these features:

• A Web-based management portal that lets parents take note of all phone use activity.
• A geofencing feature that lets parents draw boundaries on a map, such as around a school, and alerts parents when a phone travels beyond geofenced boundaries.
• Customizable alerts to notify parents in real-time when phones are traveling beyond speed limits, including a report of what speed at which the phone was clocked.
• Customizable alerts to notify parents in real-time when TextArrest settings are tampered with or overridden.

You might wonder, what if you are just a passenger, can you still use your phone? The program includes a “passenger” override option. Also, the app does not prevent you from calling emergency services regardless of conditions.

All versions of TextArrest require only a simple application download and no hardware changes to disable text messaging and calling functions. There are no set-up or activation charges, and TextArrest Family subscriptions start at $4.99/month to cover up to five family members, a price well below competing services that have fewer capabilities. At launch TextArrest supports Android and BlackBerry smartphones with additional platforms coming soon.

A Game of Direction

GPS isn’t just for those 16 and up anymore, it’s been awhile since GPS was only used for driving directions.

Now there’s a GPS specifically designed for the young (and the young at heart I guess too).  Geomate Jr. is a GPS at its most basic, it gives directions on where to go.  It’s not about getting kids to school or to a friend’s house it’s a game in and of itself.  The Geomate Jr. is like a tech hand held treasure hunt.

The GPS comes uploaded with the location of thousands of caches (or locations with small trinkets of log books) for you to find.  Take a treat, sign a logbook, it’s all in good fun, and you don’t have to download your own information.  I suggest keeping a close eye on kids, wandering off along with the Geomate it probably not the best idea, I don’t think there are backtracking directions.

Zoom Safer

Driving while texting, emailing or talking on the phone is not only potentially hazardous it is also against the law in an increasing number of states. According to Zoom Safer:

“A recent study by the University of Kansas Transportation Research Institute claims that cell phone users are 5.36 times more likely to get in an accident than undistracted drivers.”

Zoom Safer offers a free software download to help you control what your mobile devices will and won’t do while you drive. The software activates while you are driving (not exactly sure how ) and can block incoming calls and texts according to your preference. It can also send text or messages to selectively notify others where you are.

Other premium options allow for voice-based access to texting, Twitter, emails and more or control options for organizations or parents to set boundaries or limits.

Driving Along in an Automobile

So in 2020 we’re supposed to go back to the moon.  I’m excited.  Recently NASA unveiled an updated version of the lunar rover supposedly getting tested for just such a trip.

The Small Pressurized Rover Concept can travel at 6 mile per hour and can hold a charge for up to two weeks of travel.  That means that with a pressurized cabin two astronauts can wander from their bulkier space ship to the further reaches of the lunar surface.  That’s pretty cool, though I don’t know how comfortable I’d be in that nothing but that tiny compartment for protection for two whole weeks.

Licensed to drive

Parents of teen drivers may breathe easier with Ford’s new MyKey offering, which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume among other things.

Ford says the MyKey will help teens drive safer and have better fuel efficiency. Parents say it will make them more likely to let their teens drive. Teens say they don’t like it, but if it gets them behind the wheel more, they can live with it.

Among the features MyKey offers are:

• Persistent beltminder chimes at regular intervals to encourage driver to wear seat belt
• Earlier low-fuel warning (75 miles rather than 50 miles)
• LImited top speed of 80 mph
• Traction control system
• Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume
• A speed alert chilme at 45, 55, or 65 mph

The MyKey will debut next year on the 2010 Ford Focus coupe and will be offerend on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models.

I know I am many years away from having a child who can drive and who knows what they will have in vehicles then, but this is an interesting innovation.  I’m not sure how truly effective it will be knowing how easily teens circumvent other safety measures if they are determined to. However, I like that it is customizable by the parent and could work in allowing incremental learning for new drivers.

What do you think? Would you buy it?