New app prevents texting and driving

UNDATED (WHDH) -- Troy Orner said his triplets have grown up fast and he said before he knows it, they will be asking for the car keys. That’s why two years ago, Orner began working on a cell phone app to block calls and texts while driving.

Orner hired a California company to help develop his app. The Life Before Text app just hit the market.

“It was kind of a shock that it finally came together,” said Orner.

As distracted driving claims more lives, more safe driving apps are becoming available to drivers.

When Orner’s app is in a vehicle going over a certain rate of speed the app is supposed to block calls, texts and e-mails.

The app has exceptions, emergency calls can be made.

If a teenage driver disables the app, the parents will get an e-mail. If the app is deleted, an e-mail can also be sent to an insurance agent who may be giving the teen driver a discount for having it installed.

Troy spent $20,000 creating the app but he said it was not about money. He said it is about his kids’ safety and other drivers.

“Even if I don’t make any money off this, it’s worth the investment that I made,” said Orner.

The app is available for a one-time fee of $3.98.

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