There are new amazing, productive and fun driving apps coming out every day, but remember, distracted driving can be just as bad as drunk driving and hazardous to your health – and your auto insurance rates. Out on the road in the car, there are very basic apps that can help us find out how to get where we’re going, the best route, and where we can re-fuel.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best:
GasBuddy is a free, user-driven app, where the gas prices are updated by the community to help you find the cheapest gas nearby. Every gas price update earns the user points and rewards!
iGasUp ($0.99) works for iPhones and shows you the 10 nearest gas stations, regardless of brand, and the prices! No more buyer’s remorse when you realize that you could have gotten gas for just a bit cheaper. It runs on the same pricing service that supplies information for AAA and satellite companies, and has over 110,000 gas stations in the database.
PlugShare shares information about where the nearest electric charging station is for your car. With 40,000 stations in the database from all over the world, you’ll be able to pay for your charge through the app, but also check availability.
Google Maps. Who isn’t familiar with this wonderfully simple and user friendly app? Did I mention it’s free? It’s available for both Android and iPhone users, and it can connect with your Bluetooth to provide voice directions as well as display a simple tracking map with color-coded traffic conditions, and turn-by-turn directions.
RepairPal is free and it helps you save money when you take your car into the shop. When you get your quote, you can compare it with a fair estimate, as well as a list of nearby recommended shops to ensure you get the best price and an honest mechanic!
Waze is free and it’s the app that keeps you informed about any road conditions and traffic (you just leave the app open as you drive). You can also be proactive and post information regarding traffic enforcement, crashes, and other road conditions to fellow users.
Trapster is an app that helps you avoid speeding tickets by reminding you about the speed limit for the road you’re on and your current speed. User-generated information gives you real time updates on traffic jams and construction, and users confirm in real-time if there’s still an issue. It also alerts you about red light cameras, speed cameras, and live speed traps. There’s an option to have a voice alert if you’re approaching a speed trap or if you’re going over the speed limit.
Break the bad (and illegal) habit of texting while driving with an app called DriveScribe! It’s free and once your speed hits 5 mph, it dims the background and blocks incoming phone calls, texts, and chats. It also automatically responds to any incoming texts by letting them know you’re behind the wheel. And it lets you track driving habits, gives you driving tips, and if your family and friends sponsor you, your good driving is rewarded with points that can be redeemed for gift cards!
Happy safe driving!
Have you used these apps? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
