9 Apps to Make Your Commute Easier and More Productive
Posted in Car Accident on March 29, 2022
Let’s face it: no one likes commuting. Middle Tennessee and the Nashville area can be especially hectic in the mornings and evenings. Whether you’re commuting into the city from Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Hendersonville, or any of the other surrounding areas, you’ve undoubtedly experienced many slowdowns and even standstills during your daily commutes.
Thankfully, technology can make commutes a little easier to bear and even more productive. But because technology in your vehicle can be highly distracting, it’s important to use it in a smart and safe manner. Here are nine apps that can make your commute better without distracting you or increasing your risks behind the wheel.
- Waze
Before you leave your driveway or your work parking lot, you should always map your route using your smartphone or vehicle’s mapping app. Doing so alerts you to real-time traffic conditions, and that can save you a lot of time and a big headache. Whether it’s simply preparing you for the possibility of a major traffic jam or rerouting you to avoid one, mapping your destination ahead of time is one of the best things you can do before you put your vehicle in drive.
- TriStar Traffic
Tennessee’s highways and interstates are equipped with many live-streaming traffic cameras. The TriStar Traffic app allows you to view them in real time anywhere you have internet access, including on the road directly from your phone. This app also features an interactive map of Tennessee and includes live traffic data. Together, the information this app provides can help you determine what’s causing slowdowns and the best way to avoid them.
- Spotify
Listening to the radio during your commute is an American tradition, but who wants to spend half of their time in the car listening to commercials? Thankfully, music apps and online radio make it easier than ever to listen to a diverse playlist of music with no or minimal ads and downtime. To stay safe while listening to music, curate your playlist or select your station before you leave—not while you’re driving. In addition, keep your music at a reasonable volume and low enough that you can still hear emergency vehicles, other vehicle’s horns, and other road noises.
- Voice notation apps
Working during your commute is dangerous, but what should you do if inspiration strikes you while you’re sitting in traffic? Instead of putting yourself at risk by typing furiously on your phone or laptop, you can instead put your thoughts to digital paper with a voice notation app. These apps are also great for reminding yourself of things you need to get done that day when you can’t immediately write them down. Just be sure that your voice notation app can be voice activated so that you don’t have to look away from the road to open it.
- GasBuddy
You’re all set to drive to work or back home and you just realized your gas tank is nearly empty. With gas prices being so high right now, you need all the savings you can get at the pump. Thankfully, GasBuddy has your back. By checking your real-time location using your phone’s GPS, it can point you in the direction of the cheapest fuel near you. This can save you a lot of money over time and reduce the headache of driving around looking for the cheapest fill-up in town.
- Audible
Audio books have long been the greatest thing since sliced bread for commuters nationwide. Audible makes it easier than ever to listen to your favorite books on the go. Whether you choose books for fun, for self-improvement, or for business-related information, audiobooks can transform your commute from something you dread to something you enjoy and benefit from. In addition to audiobooks, Audible also has a wide selection of podcasts on virtually every topic imaginable.
- ParkWhiz
ParkWhiz is an app and website that makes the process of finding parking more convenient and less stressful. This app will display a list of available parking options near your destination. You can view the details of each parking option, including the price, location, distance from your destination, and any amenities offered. This allows you to compare your options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you’ve selected a parking option, you can reserve it directly through the ParkWhiz app or website.
- The Weather Channel
Weather apps like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or your local weather app can provide current weather conditions and forecasts, helping you plan for any adverse weather during your commute. If rain or snow is expected, you can dress accordingly and allow extra time for your commute. If it’s going to be extremely hot, you might want to ensure your vehicle’s air conditioning is working properly. Severe weather alerts can warn you about dangerous conditions like thunderstorms, tornadoes, or heavy snowfall, allowing you to plan alternate routes or even delay your commute if necessary.
- WeGo Public Transit QuickTicket
Many Middle Tennesseans use public transit exclusively during their daily commutes or for part of them (i.e., park and ride). If you use public transit, this app provides an easy and seamless way to pay for all of your transit needs. The QuickTicket app allows you to purchase bus passes and load money to your account, scan QR codes to easily board buses, manage multiple cards, view card history, and more.
When Other Drivers Succumb to Distractions, We’re Here to Help.
The number one rule for using apps or any electronic device while you’re driving is to make sure it doesn’t distract you. Distracted driving is an epidemic in the U.S., and it’s getting worse every year with so much technology competing for our attention. Unfortunately, falling victim to distractions is no excuse when drivers cause preventable crashes that injure others.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident lawyers know all too well how devastating distracted driving can be for innocent victims and their loved ones. We’re here to help people who were hurt by distracted drivers get maximum compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation.
