Free useful Blackberry driving apps
BY CHERYL TAY
Using your handphone while driving is a huge no-no but there are still occasions when drivers at the wheel automatically reach out for their phone when it beeps. Many accidents on the roads have been caused by drivers being distracted by their phones, either talking without a hands-free kit or looking at the phone to read or reply a message.
In times of an accident, other than the money you have to fork out for the insurance excess or car repairs, there is also the hassle and inconvenience of the loss of usage of your car. Worse, what if someone gets injured?
As a Blackberry user, I am often looking for driving applications in the phone that can help me to remain safe by not taking my focus away from the roads.
Here are some of my favourite Blackberry driving apps:
The best part about them? They are free!
1. DriveSafe.ly / Text'nDrive
These applications help to read your emails and text messages aloud while you are driving so that you don't have to look at the phone to read them. You can also reply the emails and messages using your voice, but this voice response feature is additional and only available in the PRO version at SDG$27.25.
Drivesafe.ly
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3381?lang=en
Text'nDrive
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/7310?lang=en
2. Vlingo - Virtual Assistant
This is quite an interesting app that literally turns your words into action. All you have to do is press and hold on to the assigned button, then speak to your BlackBerry and the app will execute your search or command. This app also has a SafeReader feature which reads your incoming emails or text messages out loud.
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/720?lang=en
3. Honda Safety Driving
Before you start driving, you can activate this app and basically while you are driving, all incoming calls will be automatically rejected with an auto reply SMS sent to the caller. Alternatively, the caller can also be directed to your voice mail.
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/9013?lang=en
4. Not While Driving
Using the Blackberry built-in GPS, this Not While Driving app puts the phone into sleep mode when your car is travelling. Once the car stops, the phone automatically switches back to normal operating mode. This ensures that you do not get distracted by the phone while you are driving.
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/11261?lang=en
5. CRASH (Car Report Accident Search Help)
In the event of an accident, this CRASH app provides your insurance details and can also record the other driver's details into your BlackBerry device. You can also record information about what to do in times of accidents, such as contact details of your insurance company and its approved workshops.
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/screenshots/27088?lang=en
6. Car Finder
This app can be such a life-saver at times! I've experienced occasions where I simply cannot recall where I've parked my car and ended up walking several levels of the multi-storey car park searching for my car in vain. Using your BlackBerry's built-in GPS, this Car Finder app helps to remember the exact location where you parked your vehicle and even displays a compass to help direct you when returning to your car.
Download the app via the link below or use the QR code:
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/screenshots/2313?lang=en
Passionate about cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a familiar face in prominent local, regional as well as international automotive titles. More of her at www.cheryl-tay.com.
