Smartphones are a way of life, and while it's always best to put your phone down and keep your eyes on the road, there are some excellent apps out there that can make driving easier and more enjoyable. So, before you get behind the wheel, check out these 10 apps designed to help you become a safer driver, save you money, and improve your overall experience.
1. Waze
The Waze app gives you driving directions and alerts you to traffic congestion and issues like construction, crashes, and other potential road hazards. Once you download it on your phone, you'll always know what's happening on the road, so you can avoid unnecessary headaches. The app will also send you an alert when you reach the speed limit, so you can drive safer and avoid traffic tickets.
2. GasBuddy
If you want to save money on gas, then GasBuddy may be your new best friend. This app shows you the current prices at nearby gas stations so you can choose the best deal. You can also link your debit card to save extra money by paying for your gas right from the app and earn free money to spend at the pump with GasBuddy's "GasBack" program.
3. Safe2Save
We all know about the dangers of distracted driving, but sometimes those incoming messages are just so tempting! The Safe2Drive app actually rewards you with points each time the app is open and you drive without distraction. You can earn two points for each minute you drive hands-free, and then redeem the points for discounted or free items at local restaurants, online retailers, and more.
4. Drive Smart
After a while, it's easy to get a little bit lax on your safe driving skills. The DriveSmart app will assess your driving and give you a report to help you make improvements. This is a great way to learn more about your braking, cornering, speed, acceleration, traffic anticipation, and more. Record enough trips, and you can earn a Safe Driver Certification that may help you get discounts with certain providers.
5. OtoZen Safe Driving App
A family-oriented safe driving app, OtoZen uses a GPS location tracker to provide hands-free communication that shares your family members' location and ETA (if they choose). You can also set speeding, phone usage, and location alerts, get 24/7 crash assistance, and receive Driving Scores, which can help you become a better driver or allow you to monitor other family members' driving habits.
6. OnMyWay
The OnMyWay app automatically activates when your vehicle is going more than 10 MPH and pays you for every mile you drive without texting or using distracting apps. You'll earn bonuses that you can redeem for things like free gas, food, gift cards, travel, and even Crypto.
7. LifeSaver
For parents who want to monitor their teen drivers, LifeSaver is an excellent option. This app blocks phone use while driving and offers a Parent Portal where parents can see a wealth of information such as whether their loved ones are currently driving, if they've arrived safely, and their driving score for each trip.
8. Parkopedia
It's super annoying to get to your location just fine, then struggle to find a parking spot. When you're driving in circles, distracted by looking for parking, you're opening yourself up to the possibility of getting in an accident. Parkopedia helps to eliminate this risk by providing real-time data for thousands of parking lots, garages, and street and metered parking. It will also give you information about parking costs, hours, and more.
9. RepairPal
Being a safe driver also requires you to keep up with your vehicle's maintenance and get it repaired when needed. RepairPal helps you find certified repair shops, no matter where you are. You can also use the app to easily get estimates, troubleshoot car issues, and more.
10. Aceable
Whether you need to take a driver's ed course or you need an online defensive driving course to get a traffic ticket dismissed, the Aceable App is the perfect solution. This app completely replaces in-classroom driver's education, allowing you to take all of the required lessons and unlimited practice tests right from your phone. The classes offered are affordable and entertaining, so check them out today!
Updated 2/2/23