App rewards those who don’t touch their phone while driving

Romania's SafeDrive wants to encourage good behavior by using a gamified points system that offers discounts on products and services when drivers leave their phone alone.

Everyone knows it’s dangerous to use a phone and drive, yet a surprising number of motorists still do it. Apps such as Rodedog have previously tried to tackle the problem with negative reinforcement, notifying friends whenever they get tempted to text behind the wheel. Now Romania’s SafeDrive wants to encourage good behavior by using a gamified points system that offers discounts on products and services when drivers leave their phone alone.

A collaboration between the Netherland’s XL Team and Romania-based KNS, the SafeDrive app enables motorists to create an account and start earning points by loading it up before they start their car. Dependent on the length and distance of the journey, drivers rack up points so long as they don’t touch their phone. If they can’t resist checking their device at a red light, the app warns them that they will lose any points gained for the journey if they choose to continue. Accrued points can then be exchanged for products and services from SafeDrive’s partners. Users can also track their trip histories and compare their results with friends.

Watch the video below to learn more about how SafeDrive works:

The app aims to provide an incentive for drivers to do the right thing when they’re behind the wheel. SafeDrive can be downloaded from Android and Windows phones, although a release date for iOS devices is yet to be announced. Are there other ways encourage drivers to stop flouting the rules of the road?