While we may not have roads as long and famous as Route 66, the popular Mother Road connecting Chicago and Los Angeles, the ones we do have can present plenty of challenges. Many of them can be solved by practical apps for drivers. Most importantly, they will help you reach your destination safely. Find out which apps are worth using on your travels.
While the ideal mode of transport for a true Viking is still a longship, times have changed, and it's more convenient to switch to a car. Here, knowing which way the wind blows isn't enough to reach your destination safely. There can be more surprises on the road – from accidents and police checks to speed limits. Car apps will help you navigate them safely.
GPS Navigation, the Most Popular Apps for Drivers
The first thing that comes to mind among the most important car apps is undoubtedly GPS navigation. What if you meet a Viking on the road who asks you for directions in a Scandinavian language? A reliable GPS will be the solution. Besides, it shortens travel time, is convenient, and functional. It undoubtedly deserves the first place on the podium. Check out our GPS navigation suggestions.
See also: How to change your phone's location?
Google Maps
When it comes to navigation, one of the most popular apps is Google Maps (4.7 stars on the App Store, 3.9 on Play), used by almost every internet user. Beyond showing our location, the app has several important additional features. Not everyone may know this, but in Google Maps, we can set a route that is more complex than just from point A to point B. You can also add intermediate destinations along the way. To do this, first enter the starting and ending points. The next step is to tap the three dots available in the top right corner. There, you can enter an additional stop. Maps can be downloaded to your device for offline use, and if you want to avoid toll sections, you can configure the route to bypass them. First, go to settings, then navigation. In the options section, select the "avoid tolls" button.
Android Auto
If you use Android devices, you should opt for the Android Auto app (4.1 stars on Play). This will give you access to the most important smartphone functions on your car's display. Just touch the screen to get driving directions. You can send an SMS using voice commands. The same applies to making calls. Keep your hands on the tiller, oh, sorry – on the steering wheel – and you can talk to your heart's content.
Yanosik
The name of the app brings to mind the most famous Polish outlaw, Janosik, who took from the rich and gave to the poor. Yanosik will help you keep your wallet full by sharing valuable information. In the app (3.8 stars on the App Store, 4.3 on Play), you have access to a lot of current information about road conditions. Many Vikings use it in our country, so the number of notifications can be huge. What's among them? Speed checks, road accidents, speed cameras, and even unmarked police cars lurking here and there. This knowledge will help you avoid many unpleasant surprises.
Dashcam App
GPS navigation isn't the only car app that can make your journey more enjoyable and easier. On increasingly crowded roads, a dashcam app can be very useful. In case of unforeseen circumstances, a video recording can serve as evidence in court and determine fault in a collision. Instead of spending several hundred zlotys on a dashcam, you can use your smartphone.
AutoKam
AutoKam (3.6 stars on Play) can help with this, for example. It's a simple yet functional tool that, when it detects a collision or other road event, records the entire incident along with data such as the car's speed, date, and time.
DailyRoads Voyager
To avoid filling up your phone's memory, you can use an app that saves data to the cloud, like DailyRoads Voyager. You can set how long your journeys are recorded, and all road events will be recorded automatically. The app also takes photos.
The Yanosik app described above also has a dashcam function.
Apps for Drivers That Might Be Useful
Fuelio
Nowadays, every Viking carefully counts their gold in their treasury. The Fuelio app (4.3 on AppStore, 4.5 on Play) will help you efficiently analyze your expenses for maintaining your longship, oh, sorry – your car. It records refueling costs, suggests where the cheapest gas stations are in the area, and the record can cover multiple vehicles simultaneously. It will also help you plan regular car maintenance and check vehicle running costs.
AlcoDroid Alcohol
Not every Viking is a saint, but even they know that breaking certain rules is highly inadvisable. One of them is the prohibition of driving after drinking alcohol. In such a state, you must refuse to drive even with Odin himself. However, if you've had a drink in the evening and need to drive the next morning, then AlcoDroid Alcohol Tracker (4.3 on Play) will help you calculate the (theoretical) blood alcohol concentration. First, however, you will need to enter information about the volume and time of alcohol consumed into the app. While the app doesn't replace a breathalyzer, it will give you clear guidelines on whether you should be near your car that morning.
In addition to the apps mentioned above, you can also choose those that show parking locations (e.g., TruckParking Europe) or truck entry restrictions. The list of available apps for drivers is, of course, much longer, so you can easily choose according to your needs. We've selected these apps for you to help you reach your destination quickly and safely. Have a good road and see you on the high seas… I mean, roads!
