The recent developments in technology have brought a myriad of opportunities and interesting solutions that have transformed the way we do things. One of those new tools is the cell phones. We rely on them in every step and cannot do without them. They are no longer just devices to make calls. They have become gadgets that make our life easier.
It is however worth reminding that using cell phones while driving can have deadly consequences, too. It is essential to make sure they don’t become distraction rather than being a very useful apparatus. We have compiled some of the best to help drivers. Most of them are free to download and available for both Android and Apple devices. Here are ten of them.
- Waze
Waze is reported to have 50 million users and won “Best Overall Mobile App” at the 2013 MWC. It is definitely one to check out.
Waze is one of the leading and fastest growing map solution. It offers real-time traffic reports and route suggestions using GPS. It is community based and offers navigation options for its users while on the road. It uses social networks to identify other friends who are driving to the same destination as you. It also shows where cheap gas stations are on route.
It is ideal for timely road work and accident alerts to help you avoid getting stuck in traffic. It’s a must have traffic guide. You can get Waze here.
- Gas Buddy
Gas Buddy is very intelligent that helps you find the cheapest gas stations near you. If you are regularly on the road, you definitely want to know where you can get the most fuel for the lowest price. It, available at GasBuddy.com, is your best friend. It is available for both devices. You need every help you can get to reduce costs of motoring.
- CARFAX
CARFAX is a free mobile solution that allows the user to enter or scan Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) so as to get CARFAX reports instantly. With the general public version, you are able to view the recently purchased CARFAX reports. However, with the dealer’s version of the same, you can do a little bit more. Recently, a new barcode scanner was added to it, allowing users to scan ADESA window stickers and even the standard VIN barcodes. If you don’t want to buy a lemon and have problems with it and insurance you should always check history of a used car before buying.
- Trapster
If you don’t want unpleasant surprises on the roads with speed traps, red light and speed cameras, accidents and hazards this app is for you. It alerts in time to avoid them. No wonder why over 20 million people around the world use it.
You can change course, or slow down depending on the issue and you will be offered real time route options. It will save you time, worry, and also money.
- Yelp
You may already have it on devices. However, many people don’t realize how much more you can do with it. It can make a road trip a lot more enjoyable and cost and time effective. You can explore the unknown in towns you are passing through or simply find out businesses and service providers quickly and read about them. Being able to spot places to eat, drink, or be entertained can instantly enhance a trip from going through to exploring the places. Check it out here.
- DriveScribe
It can be a great help especially for beginners. It transforms a mobile phone into a personal safe driving coach. You can get real-time instructions, learn how to drive defensively and reduce distractions. In addition, you can see how you performed with reports. People can earn rewards for being safe.
- iWrecked
Accidents do happen whether you like it or not. It is best to be prepared just in case you end up in one. iWrecked guides motorists through accidents. You can have the information you need in such cases in your hand. It allows you download accident information and reports or forward those to relevant people, too. Furthermore, you can find valuable contact details for emergency services and towing companies.
- SeeClickFix
SeeClickFix allows users to report non-emergencies, such as those pesky potholes. Take a photo of the problem, geo-locate, upload, and you’re done. The issue is then documented on it publicly, alongside notifying the local jurisdiction of the problem. So with any luck, the problem will be solved.
It is claimed that the app has assisted in fixing nearly 1 million issues so far. You could be a superhero of the urban environment, fixing communities’ problems one by one. Boasting a track record of 75% of problems being solved, it clearly works. Find out more here and get involved.
- Expensify
If you are regularly on the road, you need this free mobile app to ease expenses receipts keeping. It, available for both platforms, allows you to track expenses on the road, create expense reports and even take photos of receipts, and all this while on the go.
It can even read images and use the details to automatically fill out the required details in the spending report. It also keeps track of mileage through an odometer entry or GPS, and even adds time as well as other expenses that should be billed. Further, a user can synchronize their bank accounts and credit cards with it to track things as they happen without the need to fill out forms manually. Learn more here.
10. DriSMo
The name stands for “drive smoothly”. Users claim to have an average of 15% better fuel efficiency thanks to this app. It displays data from the phone’s accelerometer in an easy-to-understand format. There’s a dial with the hand showing excessive accelerations or decelerations. At the end of a journey you can check where you wasted energy, and how much. You can check the details here and download here.
Another great tool for motorists is car insurance comparison websites like this one. They can help you get cheap auto insurance quotes online. They save time and money as it is a lot more faster to find the best deals and savings. You should use all the tools available to you to enjoy driving and avoid excessive costs.