OMAHA, Neb. - While some phones are providing users with the ability to automatically detect — and disable phone use — when you're driving, there are also apps out there that can help keep drivers — particularly younger drivers steer clear of the temptation to allow distractions while driving.
"That one-second reply is not worth dying for." — Naomi Adjei
Ready to head to work, Naomi Adjei prepares her commute by connecting her phone to her car via Bluetooth.
"It's automatic, so as soon as my Bluetooth is connected — if somebody texts me, they get a notification that says, 'I will call you back. I'm driving right now,' " Adjei said.
If you have an iPhone, it's already programmed into your device. Just go to your settings, then to "Do not disturb," scroll down, and you can activate it to turn on automatically or when paired with Bluetooth. Once activated, it will block any text any call from anybody.
When family or friends text or call, just hit this button to let them know you're driving. Adjei said she started using the feature because of her busy life.
"I think it's good to be patient and wait until you stop to call or text and follow through. I think it's safe for others and for yourself," she said.
If you don't have an iPhone, there are plenty of other options. We think the easiest one to use is AT&T'sDrivemode.
You can access music, up to five contacts, or maps quickly to keep your eyes on the road. Moms and dads say they like it, but aren't completely sold.
"You're still manipulating your phone," one man told 3 News Now.
On the other hand, a woman told us she was impressed by Drivemode.
"The number of people that I've seen out on the roads having their phones in their hands, constantly looking down, I think this is a great idea," she said.
But what do teens make of the app?
"All the necessities are on this app," one girl said. "If I need to call my mom, I can call her from here. If I need to switch the song, which is very important, I can do it right here."
"I think it allows drivers to have an easy way to access these things without having to go through a lot of steps and I think that's one of the main things that distracts people from the road," one boy said.
Another helper app we looked at is called Lifesaver. When you set your phone on your dash and start driving, the app locks your screen and won't unlock it unless you have an emergency or until you stop.
Helper apps