Each day in the United States, more than nine people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes that are reported to have involved a distracted driver and the situation in Europe is not very different.

At a time when everything from text messages to sliding handbags, to spilled drinks and crying babies can distract a driver, automotive engineers are focusing on ways to keep motorists focused on the road. Several apps have been designed against distracted driving.

Carmakers are developing a variety of strategies, including the wider use of voice commands, that will allow a driver to request directions to a specific location. Head-up displays that show information, including vehicle speed on the wind screen, are becoming more common. Head-up displays are available on a number of high-lie products, including the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette and the new Mazda 3. Mini meanwhile plans to launch the technology on a wide range of models.

The technology world is keeping abreast of developments.

One of the latest updates to Microsoft’s Windows Phone software introduces a new Driving Mode that will silence incoming calls and texts to let the driver focus on the road. Settings allow this to automatically activate when a Windows smartphone is connected to a vehicle’s Bluetooth system.

Use of phones while driving high

Distraction can be visual, manual and cognitive and texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types.

A study by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (CDC) analysed 2011 data on distracted driving, including talking on a cell phone or reading or sending texts or emails behind the wheel. The researchers compared the prevalence of talking on a cell phone or texting or emailing while driving in the United States and seven European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Key findings included:

Talking on a cell phone while driving

·         69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed.

·         In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal.

Texting or emailing while driving

·         31% of US drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.

·         In Europe, this percentage ranged from 15% in Spain to 31% in Portugal.

Adults more likely than teens to text and drive

Many of the campaigns to stop texting and driving have been aimed at hyper-connected teens, but new surveys and studies are showing adults are more likely to be distracted while driving.

The dangerous trend also appears to be on the rise and few survey respondents say they never texted behind the wheel.

For more ideas on how to keep safe while driving, check out these apps:

TextArrest

Its basic function is to disable texting and e-mail on smartphones as it locks the phone's screen so no texts or e-mails can be sent or read while driving (the app senses when the car is traveling faster than 5 mph.) 

Safe Driver

The basic function is to monitor location and driving practices of newly licensed teens.  It alerts parents via text or e-mail when their children exceed a specific speed and shows where infractions occurred. 

Drivesafe.ly

This app keeps teens connected while keeping their hands on the wheel as texts and e-mails are read aloud; the app automatically responds without touching a button. 

Dangers of Distracted Driving

The app explores the consequences of distracted driving - it outlines several scenarios and demonstrates how distracted driving can land drivers in the "Kill Zone." 

Steer Clear Mobile

Teaches young drivers proper driving procedures.  It logs driving time, mileage and road conditions so teens can measure their progress.