Honda has announced a new smartphone app called Honda Driver Coaching, which aims to promote safe driving and improve the skills of young, inexperienced motorists. Available to download from the Apple App Store, the free app provides real-time driving analysis (gathered from the vehicle's onboard computer) and a fun game that adds an element of fun to the various lessons.
All the driver needs to do is install the app and connect their iPhone to the vehicle via CarPlay. Then, the Honda Driver Coaching app can study various driver inputs, such as braking and acceleration, and instruct the driver should they require coaching or assistance. Users receive a driving score that lets them keep track of their progress, along with tailored driving tips and a summary of the drive.
Honda invented an award-winning three-chamber front passenger airbag; perhaps this can be just as good at improving road safety.
App users can also watch driver training videos with useful tips and information that can be used to hone their skills. The introduction of this app forms part of Honda's Safety for Everyone campaign that aims to make America's roads safer. Catering to younger drivers is particularly important to the Japanese brand; the company says it is the number 1 brand for Gen-Z and first-time buyers.
"We created the Honda Driver Coaching app to take meaningful action to address a critical issue - that nearly one-third of US traffic fatalities involve drivers under 25 years of age," said MJ Foxley, Safety Strategy Leader of American Honda Motor. "With schools getting out and summer driving season just around the corner, we hope our new Honda Driver Coaching app can positively influence young drivers and the safety of everyone sharing the road."
Currently, the app is compatible with the Honda Civic (2019-2020), Honda Insight (2018-2022), Honda Accord (2018-2020 and 2023 or newer), Honda HR-V (2023 or newer), Honda CR-V (2020 or newer), Honda Pilot (2023 or newer), and the Acura Integra (2023 or newer) equipped with Apple CarPlay. Newer models to be released in future will almost certainly also be eligible for the tech.
Recently, the all-new Honda Accord made waves when it was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The sedan achieved this rating in six of the seven categories, which is impressive when you consider that the IIHS recently made it even tougher to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Traffic fatalities in America may be declining, but far too many people are still dying on our roads - 42,795 people lost their lives in collisions last year.