Why should you consider using mobile apps concerning road safety? These apps could help with getting help as quickly as possible regarding car accidents, reporting a crime like a hi-jacking, and avoiding high-risk situations on South African roads.
Firstly, make sure you use the apps on your mobile phone only when it is safe to do so. Please use a hands-free kit or connect your phone to your car’s built-in phone call system if it has one. If you need to use an app on your phone while driving, rather stop somewhere safe like a petrol station and use your phone then.
Google Maps app
Google Maps app is free and available for Android smartphones and iPhones. It can be potentially life-threatening to suddenly approach many stationary cars on the highway with short notice due to poor weather conditions, a blind corner or a blind hill. Google Maps could help you avoid traffic and potentially dangerous stationary traffic on the highway.
Also, being stuck in traffic could make you more vulnerable to hijackings or smash and grabs once you leave the highway.
Depending on your Google Maps app’s settings, you can avoid highways, avoid toll roads, or go for the fastest route. The Google Maps app will redirect you when it is updated with information about a traffic jam or accidents on the streets.
Let’s explore apps that are designed to help you should you be in a crisis. Various apps can help you get help, whether it is a medical emergency or crime-related. Choose the app that suits your needs.
MySOS app1,2
The MySOS app is a South African app that is a popular free safety-related app for iPhones and Android smartphones.
This app has many features:
- Locate nearby hospitals
- Find the nearest police station.
- It has an emergency alert system.
- It can send your emergency contacts an automated distress message if you haven’t reached your destination after a preselected time.
The MySOS company also offers a wearable panic device to make it even easier to respond accordingly in an emergency. The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Other apps1
There are several apps out there that make a loud siren-like sound in an emergency. This feature could help create attention from bystanders if you are in trouble. Moreover, one can find other apps that alert the right contact person when you are in a crisis in a fairly quick manner. However, it still takes time to access these apps. Perhaps the wearable panic button is the most practical option. A person could place the panic button within reach while driving.
Your iPhone has a built-in safety feature1
Take a good look at your smartphone’s features too. Here are just a few safety-related features that you could use. If in doubt, chat to your network provider for advice.
Your iPhone has an Emergency SOS feature that can allow you to call an emergency number automatically. Find it in your iPhone’s settings. Once active on your phone, press the ‘sleep’ or ‘wake’ button and press one of the volume buttons five consecutive times on your phone to make it work.
Car Insurance apps
Car insurance company apps may help too regarding road safety. For example, the PMD app offers quick shortcuts to call for roadside assistance, the police and an ambulance amongst other useful features.
Are you looking for affordable car insurance? Perhaps consider getting affordable car insurance with PMD.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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Keep family and friends updated on your location during your travels and any sudden changes in the schedule! Don’t leave them in anguish over your safety! Let a passenger call or message them or do so when stopping at a safe rest stop! #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/8G7Fm1Pfsx
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 23, 2019