safeGdriver app for iPhone and iPad

Winter driving training in 3 steps
The safeGdriver app uses a graduated, three level approach for slippery road, winter driving training. The skills needed for driving warning free using Level 3 of the safeGdriver app are the same skills needed to drive safely in winter on slippery, snow and ice covered roadways.

Learn slippery road driving skills on dry roads
The elegance of the safeGdriver approach is that winter driving training can be performed on dry roads. The app uses an audio tone to provide real time g-force feedback. This feedback allows the driver to learn gradual braking and smooth turning skills for driving safely on slippery roads While Driving On Dry Roads!

Demonstration video available at www.WinterDrivingTraining.com.

Overview
SafeGdriver provides real-time feedback allowing new drivers, or experienced drivers, to learn how to recognize speed-induced g-forces and to modify driving habits to safely accelerate, brake and turn corners.

According to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, newly licensed drivers of all ages, but particularly teenagers, have many more accidents because of, “elevated gravitational forces, or "g-forces," caused by braking late, swerving abruptly and other common new-driver mistakes.” *

Progressive, 3 Step Learning
SafeGdriver has three driving levels, 1, 2 and 3. Each higher level has progressively lower g-force tolerance. The goal in each level is to drive without triggering g-force warnings.

After the teen (new) driver has demonstrated good command and control of the vehicle, they can start driving using Level 1. When the driver is able to drive without eliciting warnings in Level 1, progress to Level 2. After achieving success in driving using Level 2, progress to Level 3.

Level 1:
Level 1 has the highest g-force tolerance and is a good starting point for a new driver. After the teen (new) driver is competent with vehicle steering and braking control, Level 1 mode feedback will allow the new (teenage) driver to learn the feeling of the speed-generated g-forces of starting, stopping and turning that trigger warning alarms.

Level 2:
Level 2 has lower g-force tolerance than Level 1. Level 2 allows the new driver to improve their driving ability and become a driver that can more effectively employ smooth braking and turning control inputs. To be effective in this mode, the driver must become better at “reading the road” and anticipating upcoming stopping and turning events. Experienced drivers should be able to drive using Level 2 without difficulty. Level 2 is an excellent training tool for learning to drive in everyday driving situations and lower traction conditions like rain.

Level 3:
Level 3 has the lowest g-force tolerance. This mode provides a challenge to even experienced drivers. To be effective in Level 3, the driver must anticipate roadway events, allow plenty of breaking time and be very smooth with braking and turning maneuvers. Level 3 is an excellent training tool for learning to drive in the extremely slippery conditions involving rain, snow and ice.

How it works
The safeGdriver app uses the accelerometer in the smart device to evaluate g-forces while the vehicle is braking, cornering or accelerating. A bell tone provides real-time feedback when acceleration, cornering and breaking exceed the g-force limit for the mode selected. With this feedback, the driver can modify their driving habits to reduce and eliminate high g-force maneuvers to smoothly and safely accelerate, turn corners and brake.

The safeGdriver app works no matter how the device is positioned – even upside down. It will work equally well in a cup holder, on a fixed windshield mount, a fixed dashboard mount, or wherever the device can be securely placed in the vehicle.

Warning Report – Trip Details screen
The safeGdriver app will record all warnings generated during the trip. The warning report is available on the Trip Details screen.

*Oct. 20, 2011, HealthDay News