When I was first learning how to drive, cell phones were just starting to be a thing. They were set up like a regular house phone with buttons on it. Real buttons. If you wanted to text, which was another mind blowing concept, there were only 10 buttons. This means that you had to actually click the “1” button 3 times to get the letter c. Texting took a lot of focus, and SO much time. For this reason, texting and driving wasn’t something that was exactly convenient, or safe. That didn’t stop people from doing it, however. It was exciting to be able to be constantly connected with friends, so gradually, the practice did become more popular.

As you can imagine, texting and driving was the cause of a number of accidents. As technology advanced, touch screens became available and texting became easier, and unfortunately so did texting and driving. While it became easier to text and drive, it didn’t get any safer. At no point in time should you be taking your focus off of the road ahead, no matter how cute that cat video is, and I promise you it probably is super cute. We want to be able to say, hey, just wait to read the text till you get home, or wait to answer that phone call when you get home, but the fear of being left out is pretty strong.

Over the last few years, texting and driving has become an all out epidemic. In response, a number of pretty awesome apps have become available to provide a middle ground between our need to stay connected and the laws of the road serving to keep us safe. At Destination Nissan you have the option to get NissanConnect, an “integrated audio, navigation[*], and communication system that connects with your smartphone to enhance your driving experience, and help minimize distractions. Controlled through a dash-mounted, centrally located screen, NissanConnect is available with hands-free calling and texting, streaming audio, navigation, a collection of popular smartphone apps, and lots more.”

If your vehicle isn’t equipped with NissanConnect, you can also check out these apps to keep your driving focused and safe.   

1. DriveSafe.ly: Instead of completely blocking your incoming messages, DriveSafe.ly actually reads your text messages, calls or emails aloud. By reading to you, the app eliminates that urge to grab your phone and take your eyes off the road for a split second. Best of all, it automatically responds to recipients for you (with a pre-set response) or allows you to respond by voice, totally hands-free.

2. DriveScribe: It’s about time we were rewarded for safe driving. DriveScribe’s app measures and evaluates your driving performance by giving you points, based on how well you stay within the speed limit and obey traffic signals. Users can redeem points for gift cards and discounts at certain stores. If you are interested in your driving patterns as well, the app tracks distance driven, average speed, maps of routes driven and descriptions of your violations (if any).

3. Text-STAR: Part auto-text responder, part digital personal assistant, Text-STAR aims to get you where you need to go without any distractions. Able to sense motion, the app disables texting when you drive 10 mph or more. It also allows you to schedule auto reply texts in advance, if you plan to be busy at a later time, whether you are driving or doing something else.

*Driving is serious business. Only use features when safe to do so. App availability is dependent upon vehicle model, trim level, packaging, and/or options. See NissanUSA.com/connect for complete app availability details. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Compatible smartphone required. Cellular network and GPS signals not available in all areas and/or at all times. Technology is evolving, and changes by independent companies are not within Nissan’s control. Nissan is not responsible for associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to cellular network termination (including equipment upgrades, if available, or roaming charges on alternative networks) or other third party changes. Should a third party provider terminate/restrict service, service may be terminated without notice and with no liability to Nissan and its agents or affiliates. Subscription Agreement required and terms and conditions of Subscription Agreement apply. See www.NissanUSA.com/connect for details. Text rates and/or data usage may apply.