In honor of April being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, here is a list of smart phone apps to help prevent cell phone use when driving. Remember, sharing is caring-encourage family and friends to drive distracted free.

AT&T DriveMode – Free
By limiting the extra features on your phone, DriveMode automatically sends pre-set replies to incoming texts to let people know you are driving. Once the app is selected, all calls, texts and emails are silenced, and the app blocks you from reading or typing anything.  It does offer leniency, however, giving you the option to receive and make calls with up to five people, plus 911, and allows you to access your music playlist.

DriveScribe – Free
It’s about time we were rewarded for safe driving. DriveScribe's app measures and evaluates your driving performance by giving you points, based on how well you stay within the speed limit and obey traffic signals. Users can redeem points for gift cards and discounts at certain stores. If you are interested in your driving patterns as well, the app tracks distance driven, average speed, maps of routes driven and descriptions of your violations (if any).

Text-STAR – Free
Part auto-text responder, part digital personal assistant, Text-STAR aims to get you where you need to go without any distractions. Able to sense motion, the app disables texting when you drive 10 mph or more. It also allows you to schedule auto reply texts in advance, if you plan to be busy at a later time, whether you are driving or doing something else.

Live2Txt – $1.99
Live2Txt is an Android™ app that allows you to block incoming texts and calls while driving. Turn the app “on” when you get behind the wheel, and you’ll silence your smartphone from incoming notifications, texts and calls. When you receive a message, the app will alert the sender with a customized message that you’re unable to respond at the moment. You also have the option to block incoming calls and texts, only texts or only calls. Live2Txt also comes in handy during other times you may need to minimize interruptions, such as during an important meeting.

Textecution – $10
For those who really don’t want to mess around, Textecution uses GPS to determine speed at which your car is moving. If you are traveling more than 10 mph, the application will disable texting, so you cannot receive or respond to texts. You will be able to unlock messages when going less than 10 mph. Let’s say you were a passenger, though, or on a train; the app allows you to ask for permission from the admin, who will be able to override the settings.

DriveSafe.ly – $40 annually
Instead of completely blocking your incoming messages, DriveSafe.ly actually reads your text messages, calls or emails aloud. By reading to you, the app eliminates that urge to grab your phone and take your eyes off the road for a split second. Best of all, it automatically responds to recipients for you (with a pre-set response) or allows you to respond by voice, totally hands-free.