Want to Stop Texting and Driving? There's an App for That!

Do you or a driver you typically ride with have a bad habit of texting or chatting on a cell phone while driving? Well, now there's an app for that! And it's free.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office now provides free access to a cell phone app that disables a cell's texting and calling capability while the user is driving.

The program, also co-sponsored by the Ocean County Association of Chiefs of Police, makes available free to the public a cell phone app that will temporarily disable the texting and calling mechanism of the cell phone in a vehicle traveling at more than 15 miles per hour, according to a prepared statement from the office of County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.  

"Once the vehicle comes to a stop the phone will function normally." the statement says. "This easily installed app will prevent instances of driving while texting, which can mean the difference between life and death for the driver and others.”

More than half of those polled, stated that they have been in a moving vehicle while the driver was texting. "Those who text and drive present a considerable danger to other persons using the roads and expose themselves to serious criminal consequences," the statement says.

Coronato said: “If it is proven that a driver was texting while driving (in a fatal car accident), the driver will be charged with assault by auto or vehicular homicide. The possible punitive consequences and tragedies that can stem from driving while texting come at too high a cost."

Pine Beach Chief of Police John M. Sgro, who currently serves as President of the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association said, “Every parent’s nightmare is that a young driver will drive while intoxicated, exposing himself and others to injury or death. Yet driving while distracted is just as lethal a practice.  Texting and driving, like drinking and driving, don’t mix. This device is a simple yet effective way to prevent this dangerous practice.”

Coronato continued, “While this safe driving initiative is targeting youthful drivers, it is something that we all should consider installing on our phones, especially in light of the new laws enhancing the penalties for texting while driving.  

"If a parent gives a kid a cell phone, that parent should make sure this app or a similar one is installed on that phone. You can preach to kids about safe driving practices, and maybe they will listen. But this app is a one hundred percent cure for distracted driving.”

The prosecutor’s office is underwriting the cost of a number of these apps and making them available to county residents at no charge. The cost of the app is paid for through the use of drug forfeiture monies.  

To receive information on how to download the app and the free coupon code to be entered into the certificate field, call county Prosecutor Detective. David Margentino, Jr. at 732-929-2027 Ext. 2946 or your local police chief.