Most drivers are aware that being distracted on the road is dangerous, but they continue to do so. And, as people rely increasingly on mobile devices to stay connected, distractions will be around for a while.
Every year, a large number of people are killed as a result of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving fatalities climbed faster in 2015 than drunk driving, speeding, or failing to use safety belts. However, communicating while driving is far from uncommon.
Fortunately, technology businesses have identified this problem and developed solutions to reduce distracted driving. It may appear strange that the answer to distracted driving is the same as what is generating the problem—technology. However, a number of technological developments have helped keep everyone on the road a little safer when a driver’s attention wanders.
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How Dangerous is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving poses major dangers. A driver who is not fully engaged in the process of driving will not be ready to stop abruptly or take evasive action if necessary. If their vehicle switches lanes or veers towards oncoming traffic, they may not notice. Even taking your eyes off the road for a split second can result in a disastrous tragedy. Eye-tracking dashcams can help you ensure your driver’s eyes remain on the road.
Here are some statistics to show you how distracted driving is incredibly dangerous for your fleet:
- Distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020. (NHTSA)
- Distracted driving caused almost 324,000 injuries in 2020 only. (NHTSA)
- More than 400,000 drivers were wounded and 2,800 people were killed in distracted driving incidents. (CDC)
- Drivers are distracted by their phones for at least 10% of the time they are driving. (NHTSA)
What is Cell Phone Blocking Technology?
Putting your mobile out of reach is no longer a realistic method for deterring people from peeking at their phones while driving. It’s human nature for many individuals to not only look at their phone when it buzzes, rings, or dings, but also reply.
One method for reducing the risks of distracted driving is to prevent your cell phone from receiving all notifications while driving. This will effectively force your drivers to stop using their phones and be 100% attentive while driving.
Many cell phone providers have created apps that remove the decision to reply to a text message from the driver’s hands. Cell phone blocking technology commonly used in automobiles prevents calls and texts from being received while the vehicle is in motion. Many of these apps will also send a notification to the sender to notify them that the recipient is driving.
What Cell Phone Technologies Prevent Driver Distraction?
Here are some cell phone blocking technologies that can prevent distracted driving:
- DriveMode AT&T
When the driver’s automobile hits 15 miles per hour, the app activates and prevents text alerts.
- DriveID for CellControl
The device is attached to the windshield and works in conjunction with an app to restrict the driver from receiving or sending text messages. Emails and smartphone cameras can also be blocked.
- DND for Apple iOS
When the user’s iPhone detects movement or is connected to a car through Bluetooth, Apple’s Do Not Disturb (DNB) While Driving option prevents incoming calls and text messages.
Distracted driving is caused by more than just devices. Sleepiness is another distraction that drivers face, whether early in the morning or late at night. Many vehicle manufacturers now provide monitoring devices that will alert you if you are fatigued or sleepy. These warnings may take the shape of a chime, a brake tap, or a pull on your seat belt. In addition, vehicles equipped with a sleepiness alarm feature may display a coffee mug or other analogous icon to urge you to take a break. Solutions like LocoNav offer seat belt violation information, cell phone usage, or drowsy driving alerts and can be effectively used to manage distracted driving.
