New App Takes Aim at Distracted Driving

10/02/2010

With safety experts apparently now divided on just how effective state distracted driving laws really are, the solution to this problem may come down to the introduction of new technologies that help drivers stay focused behind the wheel.

One such example is offered by a company called Illume Software. Izup, an app that works for the Blackberry and similar products, will automatically hold a driver's cell phone calls, text message and emails while they operating a motor vehicle, according to the company's website. The product is also said to make drivers unable to access the internet while behind the wheel.

To further promote safety, the company reports that Izup will still allow calls to get through to 911 from a moving vehicle, as well as up to three other authorized numbers.

Izup works with help from GPS technology to detect when a vehicle is moving. If this and similar technologies become widespread, it could be one way for people to save on auto insurance rates by being less likely to be involved in accidents.

While products like this will help responsible drivers avoid the urge to text, it remains to be seen what law enforcement can do about those who do not care as much. After all, many law enforcement officials have acknowledged the difficulty of actually spotting somebody texting from a moving vehicle.

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