Today I am looking at a new app called Highway Hand. This is a free app for both Android and iOS phones. The concept behind this app is really neat and I like the idea. I do have a few questions/concerns about the app and service but I will touch base on those at the end of this post.
So what is Highway Hand? From the developer’s mission statement: “the app provides a simple, safe, and secure platform that connects people who are willing to help with those in need of assistance, giving users options and more power over their lives.”
What the app does is that it allows users to either ask for help with their vehicles or to provide help to those in need. The app is pretty straight forward. When you first turn it on, you will need to setup an account. After that there are two options: Ask for help or Provide help.
- For those offering to provide help, they can put in some basic information about who they are, where they are located, services, and prices.
- For those looking for help, they can then search those listings and chose one they feel is appropriate.
Now those looking to provide help do not have to be a registered business, it can be anyone who is willing to offer aid in their area. The developer indicates that app will only share your information with the “helper” you select.
This is one of my concerns about this app. There is no way to know who has signed up to “help”. Yes the app does not share your info with everyone but you still will not really “know” who is coming to help you. You want to have faith in people but the way the world is today, it can be tough.
The other thought I had about the app is how widespread it is currently being used? The developer is from Texas and it sounds like it has been used down there. After that though, I am not sure. To make this app useful you need to have folks on it. I would not use this app to replace AAA or roadside assistance from your car insurance company.
As I mentioned above, I like the idea of the app and hope it grows. We need more apps like this. The app is easy to use and nicely setup. So how do you deal with a dead car at the side of the road?
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