Journal 13, November 22nd

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/technology/22distracted.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Technology has recently surfaced that will disable cellphones while the owner is driving. The purpose of this new gadgetry is to attempt to reduce accident rates due to driver negligence while using cellphones while on the road. Instead of just turning off the cellphone which requires the user going against human nature and their developed addiction to the device the cellphone is rendered inactive as soon as the car starts moving. This insures that the driver will remain focused on the road without having to fear being interrupted by a call or text message. This technology works by using the phone's GPS to estimate the car's speed and there by only activate the phone when the vehicle is off the road. This latest form of technology is currently being evaluated in relation to the increasingly popular hands-free option which also attempts to provide for the safer use of cellphones in cars. Currently prominent companies such as Ford and Microsoft have backed hands-free technology by implementing systems that use features such as voice dialing and reading text messages aloud. While hands-free technology can assist drivers remain focused while placing calls some insurance companies are wary if benefits can last once the driver has become engrossed in the conversation. Though hands-free methods have been put to good use recently consumers and companies have started to consider safer alternatives such the call blocking technology. Recently Community Coffee a firm based out of Baton Rouge implemented this technology in 400 of their trucks and saw a 30% decrease in accident rates. Due to these and similar results insurance companies are starting to offer benefits for customers that agree to use this technology in their vehicles. If the technology can catch on it can decrease accident rates while decreasing the costs of automobile insurance.

This technology provides obvious benefits in the way of safety while driving. If drivers start to use new gadgets like this there is sure to be a drop in accident rates. While hand-free technology allows users to more safely access their phones it does factor in the lack of focus once the driver is on the phone even if the call is hands-free. People are incapable of focusing on two separate activities that require attention and this call blocking technology solves that problem. Unfortunately in the world of today most people rely on up to date information for their everyday lives including receiving information about their jobs and possibly even emergency information. If someone is on the road for quite a bit they will miss that information and be unable to properly respond until they get off the road. This technology has its pros and cons but surely can provide some benefits for drivers who want to stay focused but unable to otherwise.

Reference:
http://www.newsdial.com/technology/communication/cell-phone-statistics.html