Use these Drive Safe Apps to help you or your teen to Drive Distraction Free

• Canary | iOS, Android; Canary does not block the ability for drivers to text or check their phone, but will instead notify you when your teen unlocks their phone when driving. Canary will also let you know when your driver exceeds speed limits you set, goes outside “geofences” you set up or if your teen violates a curfew.

• CellControl | Android, iOS CellControl requires installing a device under your steering column that monitors when the car is moving. Once the car starts in motion, a blocking screen pops up on the driver’s phone, preventing the driver from texting. If your teen is like mine, they will try to beat the system, but any attempt to remove or disable the monitoring device prompts an alert from CellControl. iPhone users are at a bit of a disadvantage with this app, as CellControl will send alerts if iOS phones are being used inappropriately, but it will not prevent texting.

• TextLimit | iOS, Android; This app allows parents to set a speed at which some of the phone’s features will be partially or completely disabled. But the app also permits parents to contact their children even if their calling and texting options have been suspended – call it “super-user” privileges. Parents can also receive an email alert when their teen exceeds a certain speed limit. And, an added benefit with this app is that TextLimit may qualify you for an insurance discount.

• DriveSafe.ly | Android, iOS, BlackBerry; The app’s highlight feature allows the driver to hear incoming texts and e-mails, and provides an automatic response, allowing the driver to provide an “I’m driving, I will get back to you later” option.