KUSA - More and more cell phone companies are realizing the technology in their phones is contributing to the distracted driving problem on our roads.
Some of the larger cell phone providers now have apps to help drivers stay safe and avoid accidents.
The latest statistics show the under 21 age group is the most distracted.
"Today teens face more distractions in the car than ever before," Dave Mellin, a spokesperson with Sprint, said.
Mellin says that's one of the reasons Sprint created their new cell phone app.
"Sprint Drive First gets going automatically in the car if you're going roughly 10 miles an hour or faster," Mellin said.
The app costs $2 dollars per month per line and will direct incoming calls to voicemail, and won't let you send texts or check email.
In the case of a teen driver, if the app. is disabled for an emergency or because the teen wants to use the phone, parents can be notified.
"It removes distracting alerts from incoming emails, incoming text messages," Mellin said.
9NEWS put the app to the test.
Mellin sat in the driver's seat, and 9NEWS Reporter Eric Kahnert was in the passenger seat with his cell phone and Mellin's cell phone, which has the app. installed.
Before we took off, we dialed Mellin's cell phone and the call went through.
Then we started driving.
"Motion has been detected and driving mode has kicked in. There you go, and you're going about 20 and we just left the location where we were at," 9NEWS Reporter Eric Kahnert said while testing the app.
"My phone is ringing, but this just says 'in motion,' and it's just a white screen," Kahnert said in reference to Mellin's phone.
"I have no idea you're calling me right now," Mellin said in response.
The caller on the other line is automatically sent to voicemail.
"Alright, let's see what happens when we send Dave a text," Kahnert said.
"I just sent you a message that says 'Hi Dave.' Nothing showed up on your phone," Kahnert said.
Then, a second later, a text response from Dave that said he's driving and will respond later came through.
"It does accommodate for periodic stops, if you come to a stoplight or stop sign," Mellin explained.
The phone will resume normal use after about 2 minutes of stationary use.
AT&T also has a safe driving app available and Verizon is working on one.
Some of the same companies that have made it easier for drivers to become distracted are actually doing something to fight back.
"Sprint's recognized that there is a distraction there by having the phone in the car, so we're trying to help eliminate or remove that distraction," Mellin said.
There are many other safe driving apps. on the market for cell phones that aren't affiliated with cell phone providers.
If you would like to take the 9NEWS Great Hang Up pledge to help stop distracted driving, download the pledge form.
If you have a story about distracted driving you would like to share with us, or if your company or office has decided to sign the pledge as a team, email 9NEWS Anchor/Reporter Eric Kahnert at eric.kahnert@9news.com.
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