The wireless industry held it’s annual trade show in Las Vegas, NV earlier this week, where start-up software and gadget companies showcased their latest cell phone applications that may reduce driver distraction.
Drive Safelyproposes a software with a built-in GPS chip that will detect when a vehicle is moving faster than 15 miles per hour. The software will distinguish between a driver and passenger, by flashing a series of numbers and letters that the user has to match on the keypad. While the assumption is that drivers won’t be able to match the sequence while watching the road, those drivers determined to use their phone just may undertake even more dangerous driving habits and attempt to unlock their phone with the sequence. Moreover, constant GPS use may quickly drain the phone battery.
ZoomSafer offers a service for $2.99/month that is activated the moment you are in your vehicle. It does not correlate with how fast the vehicle is traveling and therefore is engaged at stops. It suppresses all texts and informs the sender that you are driving. The phone announces the names of incoming calls and automatically syncs with your Bluetooth headset or other hands-free device, thus making you automatically compliant with state laws. Passengers may deactivate ZoomSafer.
CellControlblocks texts, calls, emails and other mobile functions while the vehicle is in motion. CellControl has a separate gadget that plugs into the vehicle’s computer, so there is no issue of batter life on the phone from constant GPS activity.
The applications will only be available for BlackBerrys, high-end Nokia phones and devices running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile or Google’s Android software. The apps will be missing a big market share, for now, as they can not work with Apple’s iPhone, since Apple doesn’t allow third-party software to run in the background (app wouldn’t be able to determine whether the vehicle is moving or not). The average cost per app will be $40, with a $4 monthly user fee. Marketers figure parents will be willing to pay this price for safety for their teens, as will adults for themselves.
These start-ups are pioneering the way for applications and driver safety. They are ahead of mega players in the wireless marketplace — wireless carriers, cellphone makers, auto manufacturers and the federal government — yet, the start-ups lack the bandwidth to support widespread use of their apps. In order to make the apps effective and available for all, the key market players (including Apple) will have to quickly get on board.
Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued by reading this post. If you would like further information regarding the matters discussed herein, you may post a comment. If you need a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.
Ms. Filutowski has a track record of recovering over $3.5 million dollars for her clients through negotiations, arbitrations, mediations and trial.
[...] If you think you may still engage in the habit of texting or picking up a cell phone call while driving, you may consider purchasing a cell phone application that restricts such activity while your vehicle is moving. See: Cell Phone Apps That Block Texts and Calls. [...]
[...] If you know that despite the $124.00 fine, you will continue to chat on a handheld phone, or scan and send texts and emails, then you may consider purchasing an application that blocks calls and texts while your vehicle is moving. See: Cell Phone Apps That Block Texts and Calls. [...]