Wave of Car Safety Mobile Apps Created by Cell Phone Carriers

Although I haven't seen any breaking news stories on the dangers of catering to your children's demands while driving, it seems not a day goes by without hearing about accidents caused by texting and driving. In response to a nation-wide awareness, and in some states bans, on texting and driving, cell phone companies are coming out with new safety apps designed to help discourage texting and driving.
Sprint Drive First AT&T DriveMode In order to improve driving safety ratings, AT&T has come up with DriveMode for cellphone customers. DriveMode must be enabled before getting behind the wheel, and then it will send an automatic message to all incoming calls and texts saying that you are driving and will reply later.

The message can be customized, and this app is free, however, consumers are charged for every automatic reply that goes out.
T-Mobile DriveSmart
With the catch phrase, "Drive Safe. Drive Smart!" T-Mobile's app lets teens have their freedom responsibly, keeping them focused on the road. It costs $4.99 per month after a free trial and lets the user manage driving distractions from the phone.
Verizon Lagging
So far, Verizon has no safe driving app, most likely depending on independent apps already available on the market. Enough safe driving apps exist already that there seems little need for one from any cell phone carrier.
These are really just extra revenue streams for those companies anyway. Verizon's missing out on that so far. If you're interested in trying out other safe driving apps, try one of these below:
Key2SafeDriving
This app and hardware device combo for the BlackBerry and other smartphones, sends automated replies to incoming texts and directs calls to voice mail while in motion, but does allow contact with specified emergency numbers. Parents control the device's settings, and will be notified if a teen tries to bypass the app. The device is available for $99.95.
Safe Driver
Safe Driver is for i Phones, i Pads, and the iPod touch. It is made especially for newly licensed teens. The app will monitor the driving habits of teens, pinpoint their location, and alert parents when certain infractions are made or speed limits are exceeded. Safe Driver is the app that will surely put parents of new drivers at ease, as they monitor their every turn. Best of all, this one is free.
ZoomSafer

The ZoomSafer app will limit the calls and texts that can come in while a teen is driving. Parents can pick the people they want to interrupt their precious driver by specifying certain numbers to be allowed at any time. It is compatible with the BlackBerry, and some Windows Mobile
phones. The cost is $2.99 per month, or $25.00 per year.
Jessica Bosari blogs about car safety, ways to save on car insurance and why it's important to compare car insurance quotes at CarInsurancequotesComparison.com.