The experienced personal injury lawyers at Hilton & Somer, LLC, understand that car accidents make up a significant number of claims every year. And one of the biggest factors in car accidents is distracted drivers who are talking or texting on a cell phone.
While state and federal auto-safety agencies have tried to implement some solutions to the problem of driver distraction, mobile blocking technology may provide a better resolution to this issue.
Technology’s Answer To Distracted Driving
Mobile phone blocking technology is typically available as an app, and most 
often prevents you from receiving calls and texts while you’re driving. Some of these systems also send a text message or email to anyone who tries to call you while you’re driving, informing these callers that your phone is disabled because you’re behind the wheel.
But there are other kinds of blocking technology that you should be aware of, including:
- Subscription Based Services – These are monthly-subscription services that enable you to place a device under a vehicle’s dashboard, which syncs with an app to block drivers from sending or receiving texts, sending an email, or using the phone’s camera. Many of these services send you a text or email if someone tries to deactivate or remove the device.
- Audio Technology – Audio technology turns text messages and emails into audio that your phone reads aloud. This technology also allows drivers to interact with their phones while driving, and also announces the name of the person who is making an incoming call. Drivers can set an auto-respond feature with their voices, which sends an automated message to anyone who texts or emails that the driver is operating a vehicle and can’t respond.
- Interfacing With Mobile Carrier – A device called Groove, which was created by technology investors in Colorado, can be plugged into your car and wirelessly interfaces with your mobile phone carrier, informing the carrier that you are driving. The carrier then blocks you from sending or receiving emails, texts and social media updates while you’re driving. Groove doesn’t disable navigation or music streaming, but you can customize it to block these as well. Groove is currently in the pilot testing stages with Sprint in the U.S., and another mobile carrier in Australia. But if approved in the U.S., it is another tool in the fight against distracted driving.
A recent survey by the National Safety Council polled 2,400 drivers in the U.S., and found that 55% of these drivers said they would not disable these safety technologies if they were installed in their vehicles.
Contact a Fairfax Personal Injury Lawyer
While technology continues to develop to help prevent driver distraction, personal injury accidents are still a major problem. When you decide to pursue legal action after suffering injuries in these types of accidents, you need a Fairfax personal injury lawyer with relevant experience. Hilton & Somer LLC, has the track record to help your cause. Please contact us today at (703) 560-0700 to schedule a consultation.
