Start your ride and then rack up the rewards.
Two Mesa siblings are behind a new smartphone all that gives drivers points for each mile they travel without unlocking their phones. Those points can be redeemed at big names like Chick-Fil-A and Jamba Juice.
The app is calledAryv and it can be downloaded to any Apple or Android device right now.
Once you download it, drivers can access it before hitting the road. You start a new trip and a notification will pop up on your lock screen that says, "You are currently ARYVing distracted free. Keep your phone locked," as a reminder that your trip is being tracked.
"If you accidentally answer a text or something — it's all gone," explained driver Kelly Erekson. "You don't get any of these points for it."
The app does allow riders to play their music and get push alerts from your maps, but only from the lock screen.
The brains behind the app are Kelly's siblings, Madelyn and Klayton.
"Ever since I was a like growing up...I wanted to be able to use technology for good and make a difference," explained Klayton Erekson.
Madelyn is now away on a mission with the LDS church. But, Klayton is continuing to effort the app after his recent graduation from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Right now, most of the redeemable locations are in Mesa or Provo, but Klayton hopes it will soon go beyond with more support.
"We're trying to...spread the word," Klayton explained. "And get as many partnerships as we can."
While Klayton agrees, it is kind of sad we need a reward to keep our eyes on the road, he hopes it does help form a lasting habit.
"If a free chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A or a free soda from Fizz is what does the trick...I think it's worth it," Klayton said. "If that's really what helps end the texting and driving crisis."
But, Klayton also said, this is not just for teens. He encourages people of all ages to download it. Plus, parents can link accounts with their teen drivers to see how safe their driving really is.
