Local hospital throws support behind anti-distracted driving mobile app

Baylor Scott & White Health announced Monday it will be the presenting sponsor of Bryan-College Station-based Safe2Save, an app that rewards people for not engaging in distracted driving.

As car crashes continue to be the most common cause of death and injury, Baylor Scott & White says they are always evaluating opportunities that encourage drivers to eliminate distracted driving from their day-to-day lives.

The app, launched in October 2016, currently has more than 16,000 active users in Bryan-College Station, Madisonville and Waco, and recently expanded into Midland. Baylor Scott & White is currently the presenting sponsor for the app in Bryan-College Station and Waco markets.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station is a Level III Trauma Center dedicated to helping community members in their time of need, but stresses the importance of prevention to keep roads in the Brazos Valley as safe as possible.

“Safe2Save’s mission aligns with Baylor Scott & White striving to have fewer people in our clinics and hospitals from avoidable crashes,” said Jason Jennings, President, College Station Region. “As the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state, we take a personal responsibility to encourage Texans to make roads as safe as possible for themselves and loved ones. Everyone can take cognizant steps to do his or her part.”

Apple and Android phone users can currently download the app to earn points. For every minute the app is active, drivers earn two points redeemable at participating businesses. The app and all rewards are provided by Safe2Save, not Baylor Scott & White Health. Safe2Save is responsible for the app and all rewards provided by the app.

“Studies show that texting and driving makes us 23 times more likely to be in a crash,” said Marci Corry, Owner, Safe2Save, LLC. “The bottom line is texting, browsing the internet, looking at social media – or any other activity on your phone – can wait, and we hope that through Safe2Safe we can encourage drivers everywhere to be safer on the road.”

To help eliminate distracted driving, Baylor Scott & White recommends initiating voice technology if calls are necessary in the car, using a GPS device that audibly speaks, or pulling over entirely.

“If your hands and eyes aren’t free, any phone activity makes you more susceptible to a car crash,” said William Rayburn, MD, Chief Medical Officer, College Station Region. “Your first priority in the car should be driving, and every second you’re not fully focused makes a mishap that much more likely.”

For more information on Safe2Save and participating businesses, visit: Safe2Save.org.