Email

Sprint recently released a smart phone app that disables texting and phone calls while drivers are on the road, using GPS tracking technology. The app is called Sprint Drive First, and could help drivers break the bad habit of driving while talking or texting on their phones, and maybe even save a couple lives. The function of the app is all in the name, helping drivers keep the task of driving first in their minds. There are enough dangers we come across while driving, without our phones tempting us with social connections.

Distraction is becoming an increasing problem in this multi-tasking obsessed society. We are smart enough to know that distractions while driving can threaten our safety. When another driver does something reckless in front of us, we can fly into a self-righteous rage. How dare that other driver not pay attention and put our lives in danger?

Yet, many of us take the unnecessary risk of texting or talking while driving. Even with the best intentions, it can be incredibly tempting to take a peak at your phone to see who’s calling or who messaged you while driving. The Sprint Drive First app is designed to help us help ourselves, by removing the distraction entirely.

The Sprint Drive First application is currently available for Android devices, and will soon be released on other platforms. The app uses the GPS tracking capabilities of the smart phones. The GPS tracking works in real-time, via satellite technology and is quite precise.

Once the app detects that the phone is traveling more than 10 miles per hour, all calls and texting are turned off. The app is available for a 15-day trial period, and costs $2 per month thereafter. Currently, the app is only available for users that are subscribed to a data and SMS plan through Sprint.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor