New AAA research finds that app-based interventions may help curb risky driving behaviors

DEARBORN, Mich., (April 3, 2025) — New AAA research is finding evidence that certain smartphone apps could reduce risky driving habits, while also enabling drivers to save on their auto insurance based on their actual driving.

“More than 40,000 people die in crashes each year, often because of risky driving behaviors,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Technology that encourages drivers to avoid these behaviors could be the key to reducing injuries and fatalities on our roads.”

Click here to read the full report

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied the effectiveness of ‘usage-based insurance’ (UBI) programs, which are commonly used by insurance companies to offer customers incentives for safe driving. Participants download a smartphone app, which monitors their driving habits. The app tracks risky driving behaviors like hard braking, speeding and distracted driving. Feedback and safe driving tips are then provided to improve the driver’s score. After a series of drives, a final UBI score is issued, which determines whether the customer is eligible to save on their auto premiums

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety sought out to determine whether providing feedback and incentives – typical of UBI programs – enhances driver safety. More than 1,400 people participated in this national study, which was conducted over a 24-week period. The trial examined the use of speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration.

During the first six weeks of the study, participants were asked to complete a minimum number of drives to establish a baseline score. Through the next 12 weeks, drivers received weekly text messages with a safe driving tip, designed to motivate and help them change a risky driving behavior.

Researchers noted the following improvements in driver behavior:

• Up to a 13% reduction in speeding
• Up to a 21% reduction in hard braking
• Up to a 25% reduction in rapid acceleration

Participants also reported how helpful the following tactics were in changing their behaviors:

• 67.4% – the potential to earn extra money
• 53.9% – weekly driving feedback via text message
• 45.8% – weekly dashboard (provided detailed driving information for the week)

After the 12-week period, participants were monitored for an additional 6 weeks without any feedback or incentives to determine if their habits would persist in the absence of reinforcement. The study found that, generally, participants continued to drive more safely, indicating that they did so without receiving feedback or incentives.

AAADrive and Other UBI Programs

AAA offers usage-based insurance programs in select states. The program’s name and availability varies by region. Participation in these programs is entirely at the customer’s discretion, and they must provide permission to AAA before being monitored. In Michigan, the program is called AAADrive™.

“The usage of AAADrive™ could help to improve the safety of our roads, while enabling drivers to personalize their auto insurance rates based on their actual driving,” said Woodland. “Safer drivers with a better score can save more on their premiums.”

AAADrive™ is available for AAA auto policyholders in Florida, Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. To learn more about AAADrive™, visit AAA.com/AAADrive. 

Review an extended version of this news release

About The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.