Smartphone App Helps Reduce Distracted Driving

Given the dangers of texting and cell phone use while driving, a number of companies have been working on solutions to help people avoid the temptation to engage in this dangerous behavior.

One such example is ZoomSafer, which recently announced a new smartphone application that works with in-vehicle Bluetooth technologies to automatically activate and deactivate the "safe drive mode" functions on the devices.

Company founder Matt Howard said that the first version of the company's software used the phone's GPS technology to detect whether a person was driving. By using Bluetooth technology, the app is said to create less drain on a phone's battery.

A growing number of states have taken steps to crack down on distracted driving, particularly texting behind the wheel. However, it is not always easy for law enforcement to observe a person who is texting in their vehicles since the devices are often held below window level in a car.

Many people may need some additional help complying with laws in their state against texting while driving. This is in light of various surveys in the past couple of years which have found that drivers of all ages admit to occasionally using electronic devices behind the wheel.