Special apps protect your health while you drive - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(10/17/12) - A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 84 percent of drivers in crashes that were brought on by medical emergencies experienced seizures, blackouts, or diabetic reactions prior to the crash. So, now car companies are hoping technology, specifically apps for your car, can change those stats.

When you think car safety, airbags, seatbelts and crash test dummies may come to mind. Car Healthy Engineers at Ford Motor company are hoping one day you will also think about "Car Healthy".

"It's kind of an extension on driver safety," says Gary Strumbolo, of Ford.

Using Bluetooth, Ford is making health and wellness apps for your car. And, they're collaborating with medical professionals to help people with diabetes, asthma and allergies.

The system will be able connect to servers that access patient information and alert drivers to medical red flags, even gives suggestions on how to prevent a diabetic episode.

Strumolo says this is only the beginning. "Imagine if you could ask for the healthiest route."

Future plans include tying in your car's GPS, to shut air vents or re-route you if you're driving through areas with poor air quality.

Right now, the Allergy Alert app is available for free for iPhone users. It works in Ford vehicles with the sync app-link system. Other health and wellness applications are in different stages of development, including a real-time glucose monitor and a driver's seat that measures your heart rate.