Distracted driving is an important issue anytime of the year, but with the warmer weather upon us the risk factors multiply. The late spring and early summer season is full of proms, graduation parties and teenagers with much more time on their hands. It’s not about not trusting that your child will make correct choices, the fact of the matter is teenagers these days were raised surrounded by and dependent upon technology.
For most, smartphones are now an extension of our arm rather than merely a convenience. Responding to that text or glancing at a notification is automatic and parents are guilty of it as well. According to the United States Department of Transportation the probability that a motor vehicle crash involved a cellphone is 1 in 4 and using a cellphone while driving quadruples the risk of a crash. Another alarming statistic is that 40% of teens say they have been a passenger in a car whose driver used a cellphone in a way that put them in danger.
While these facts and data can be startling, we recently came across a way to be proactive in preventing distracted driving. Mojo by TrueMotion is a new app on the market that measures your driving and scores you, allowing you to compete with other family members and friends for the best score. The app notes each time your phone is picked up and used while you are in the process of driving, it also notes high speed and aggressive behavior. While the data this app offers is important, it also provides tons of fun and a new way to connect for the whole family.
Utilizing this tool can help keep every member of your family safer and more cognizant during their time on the road, while also monitoring how well a teenager is doing with the temptation to text and drive. Throw in some friendly competition and it’s not just parents tossing out statistics that may or may not be heard. We at Martin + Martin feel it is important to keep all our customers safe and protected and this app can hold everyone in the family responsible for their safety while on the road. Share your stories and let us know what your family learned about their driving habits through this fantastic technology!