Sprint App Disables Drivers' Texts, Calls

[Peaches]

Sprint App Disables Drivers' Texts, Calls

Sep 13, 2011 | 1:32 PM ET |

By Samantha Murphy,

TechNewsDaily Senior Staff Writer

Sprint has unveiled a new smartphone app that prevents users from sending text messages and making or receiving phone calls while on the road to prevent distracted driving.

The app is called Sprint Drive First and is already available for Android devices and will soon be available on other platforms. Sprint Drive automatically activates when the phone is moving at a speed of more than 10 miles an hour as determined by the device's GPS system. Sprint said it is using technology to make sure it doesn't have an impact on a phone's battery.

Although text messaging is banned for all drivers in 34 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, it is still a continued problem throughout the country. In fact, each day more than 16 people are killed and more than 1,300 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, according to DistractedDriving.gov.

In addition, drivers who use handheld devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Sprint Drive First costs $2.00 per month for each phone line after a 15-day free trial. There are no additional SMS or data charges. However, only phones that are on a data and SMS plan with Sprint will be able to subscribe to the service.

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