Getting your driving license is a task in itself—from learning the rules to learning how to drive and everything in between.
To stay safe on the road, the first thing to remember is to always be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that your car, truck, van, or any other vehicle is fitted with helpful features and accessories. This includes backup cameras, rearview mirrors, phone mounts, and more.
4 apps to have on your phone while you drive
Google Maps
Works on: Android, iOS
Type: Free
Google Maps is perhaps the most widely used navigation map app in the world, and for good reasons.
Today, it has become an essential app to have on your phone, whether you drive or not! For drivers, the app offers reliable details on navigation and traffic conditions. It also offers a route planning feature.
With a consistent internet connection, the map reroutes automatically in real time in the case of slowdowns, such as accidents on the way to your destination. The best part about Google Maps is the offline map download feature that lets you download your preferred route if you’re expecting poor cell reception en route to your destination.
As the app offers voice navigation as well, a phone mount or cell phone holder can hold your phone as you only focus on driving with both hands.
Apple Maps
Works on: iOS
Type: Free
Apple Maps is a close equivalent to Google Maps, but it works only on iOS devices, like iPhones and Macs. However, you can use its web application on any other phone or computer through a supporting web browser, like DuckDuckGo.
It has a clean user interface and offers real-time traffic updates. For iOS 17 and later releases, the offline map feature is also available.
A phone mount is your top accessory that holds your phone as you follow voice navigation and instructions from Apple Maps.
Waze
Works on: Android, iOS
Type: Free
In today’s internet-dependent world, reviews are more trusted than a company’s claims for any of its products or services.
Waze is an app that’s community-driven and focuses on providing not just real-time traffic updates but also information on road hazards input by its users. It has a lively interface, making it fun to use and a favorite of locals and long-route travelers alike.
A phone mount lets you have full control over your driving as you use both your hands while looking at the app only when needed.
GasBuddy
Works on: Android, iOS
Type: Free features
Although mostly free, GasBuddy lets you upgrade to premium features at an additional cost. As gas prices are skyrocketing by the day, it is one of the most crucial tasks for drivers to find places with lower gas prices.
The app’s database is updated frequently through the inputs of its wide user base (approximately over 1 million users). The app not only shows you the gas stations that have the lowest fuel rates but also lets you filter gas stations based on your preferences (like the availability of restrooms, convenience stores, and more).
Using your phone might be challenging and unsafe as your drive. However, a phone mount is the best way to use it. You can just mount it on the stand and use it with just one hand, only when necessary. Most of the apps come with voice assistance, so you might not even have to look at your phone to use these apps while on the road.
California-based company TadiBrothers has over 20 years of experience in offering car accessories, including blind spot detection systems, backup camera systems, parking backup sensor systems, luxury cup holder phone mounts, and more.
The company, being the world’s largest backup camera store, sells “items of excellence” to retain top quality for consumers. It offers free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee on its products!