Technology: Travel safe with this new app

Over the last few years, we have seen many ‘safe' riding commuter apps come and go. But all of them required the user to inform a designated emergency contact when s/he was in danger, either by pressing a red button or using an SOS alarm. This human dependency meant that safety could have been compromised. All of this, however, changes with a new app called RideSafe, available for free download on both Android and iOS devices.

Once you have downloaded the app, all you have to do is add your destination, emergency contact details, and press ‘start' right before leaving for your destination. At this point, the app creates a path to your destination and sends an SMS to your emergency contact with a link to a map that records your movement on the map. (The app also allows you to share your trip with any number of contacts via WhatsApp). The app by default records your location in real time and updates it regularly on the map, visible to the emergency contact in real time as well. The map can be opened either on an independent browser or on the RideSafe app installed on a phone.

That's not all. The most impressive feature is its patent-pending RealTime Route Deviation Detection engine, called R2D2. The engine, created by a team of IIT & BITS graduates, not only tracks a commuter's movement but also alerts the emergency contacts, the moment, they deviate from their path. A feature most useful when travelling by hired cabs, taxis or any other public transport.

The app tracks your location as long as the trip is active. Once the trip is closed the tracking stops automatically. However, we must inform you that the recorded path remains in the log, and can be visited by anyone at any point with a link to the map. Also, a working data connection is required for the app to work properly.

So, whether you are heading home from work, or from a late night party, it might be a good idea to keep your friends and family aware of your whereabouts with RideSafe.

Available on: Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS)
Price: Free