Melvin Oden-Orr | Mariann Hyland
Twitter: @DWB_TheApp
App: Driving While Black
For many entrepreneurs, the greatest frustrations often lead to the greatest inventions. For attorneys Mariann Hyland and Melvin Oden-Orr, this was certainly the case. The two developed the Driving While Black mobile app to address the disproportionate amount of traffic stops experienced by African-Americans and people of color. The app is intended to equip people of color with helpful information and tools to improve traffic stop experiences, accountability and safety. Driving While Black includes information sections which cover legal rights, traffic stop best practices, as well as tips on how to safely alert your family when stopped and safely record your traffic stop. Although it is targeted at people of color, the app includes helpful advice for motorists of all races.
As attorneys dedicated to advancing the cause of civil rights, public safety and diversity and inclusion, the app was a natural next step for Mariann and Melvin. It’s sad that it’s come to this, but the creators of the Driving While Black app know the resource is sorely needed.
To learn more about the app and proper safety measures when using it (the creators emphasize that you shouldn’t reach for your phone when an officer is approaching you), check out the Driving While Black website.