After years of cellular phone service companies trying to expand their coverage, these companies are now exploring technology to temporarily cut off service, due to the controversy and danger of cellular phone use while driving. Talking while driving is dangerous and “hands-free” devices were created, but now with the rise of texting and driving and the risks that accompany it, phone service providers are in the process of developing technology to discourage the trend. Last week, T-mobile announced a new development for their service carrier customers that will temporarily cutoff their service while they are in a moving vehicle. Other companies that are also currently looking in to this kind of technology include Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. This temporary absence of service will be controlled by the user and can be overridden in the case that an emergency call needs to be made. Unfortunately, at this point, the technology cannot detect if the cell phone belongs to the driver or the passenger, and cannot detect if the cell phone belongs to a bus passenger. Some safety advocates claim that they are unsure of how many consumers will use the technology or how effective it will be, but they agree that something needs to be done about the rise in texting while driving.
John Ulczycki, vice president of the National Safety Council, a nonprofit group that focuses on road safety issues, says that mobile phone users can already suspend their service while driving by turning their phones off, but choose not to. He also said that the problem lies with the compulsive texting of teen drivers, making a solution necessary. Studies show that it is hard for people to ignore the sound of an incoming text or call, worrying that we are missing an important call or text from someone and an adrenaline burst is experienced when we hear the noise.
Torrie Dorrell, vice president of apps, content and games at T-mobile explains that people know they get distracted and need help and concerned parents are pushing for a solution to young drivers’ problem. The “DriveSmart” technology will detect a cell phone that is switching cell towers and within 10 seconds of the car moving, the service will be suspended. Calls will be automatically sent to voicemail and text notifications will be suspended. The service can be programmed to allow specific calls through, like from parents, and specific applications to run, like ones for driving directions. So far DriveSmart is available for one Samsung phone through T-Mobile and they say they plan to expand it to more phones, as well as continue to improve the program to determine if the cell phone belongs to a driver or not.
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