January 18, 2010 - As you've read, distracted driving as a result of inappropriate cell phone use is to blame for a staggering number of accidents and deaths. At highest risk are teens, but adults are just as guilty of inappropriately using their cell phones while driving, resulting in many preventable car accidents and deaths.
This four-part series will discuss 1) Teen texting and driving; 2) Staggering statistics; 3) How to keep teens from texting while driving; and 4) What every business should know.
So what's the solution?
ZoomSafer and izup have developed software for cell phones that prevent drivers from talking, texting, and surfing inappropriately while they are driving.
ZoomSafer
Statistics from ZoomSafer, a company that developed software prohibiting drivers from using their cell phones unsafely while driving, were released today and are staggering (click here). They show that driving and using cell phones irresponsibly are just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
(Click here for the just-released ZoomSafer Distracted Driving Corporate White Paper.)
ZoomSafer's website states that teen drivers are especially at risk and are four times more likely to be in a crash.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of death among teens.
That's why ZoomSafer developed software that shuts the teen's phone off when the car reaches 15 mph. The technology is aimed at helping distracted drivers focus on the road. (Click here to learn more).
The software prevents texting, emailing, surfing the web, and talking on cell phones while driving. The software does provide a way to stay connected with friends and family by providing a safe and legal hands-free service.
Software is added to your phone, which is easy to install and very user-friendly, and you choose which services you want to activate.
You then have an auto-reply feature that will let people know you are driving and will get back to them soon. The software also tells you whose calling so you don't have to look at your phone.
Click here for more information about ZoomSafer software.
izup
Concord, Massachusetts mom Darcy Ahl came up with the idea for izup (pronounced eyes-up) after watching her teen son weave across the road while trying to answer his cell phone.
"I was badly frightened by the experience and found myself wondering out loud if there wasn't some way to keep him and other teenagers off the phone while they were learning to drive," Ahl said.
The software, when installed on a phone, would prohibit the driver from texting and talking on the phone while driving. It would also block calls being made when the car reaches 5 mph. It would allow calls to mom and dad and to 911.
"If they're not given a choice, if you just say if you want the privileges of driving, you have to have this application on your phone," said Ahl. "I think it's a really good thing."
Click here for a link to supported phones and networks.
Your feedback about this issue are welcome in the comments section below.
Part 1: Texting and driving don’t mix: Technology to stop teens from unsafe cell phone use
Part 2: Texting and driving don’t mix: ZoomSafer and Pew Researchs' Staggering statistics
Part 3: Texting and driving don't mix: How to keep teens from texting while driving
Part 4: Texting and driving don't mix: What every business should know
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