Saving lives: New app stops drivers using phones while on the road
A Perth-based company believes it has found a solution to help stamp out the dangerous and deadly habit of drivers using their phones.
In an Australian first, it has designed a program to essentially make mobile phones invisible while driving.
The app is called ‘textstopper’ and is a three-part system using a mobile app connected to an ID device via Bluetooth.
It is all set up and controlled through a computer and can be installed by individuals or third parties, such as concerned parents or employers.
The app's Perth inventor says if you do not have hands-free, the program blocks any incoming calls as well as texts, emails or other notifications, while the car is moving.
“It's blocking all the time, so any inbound calls I will receive on my bluetooth because I have a bluetooth hands-free. Any texts or any other distractions - Facebook posts, text messages - I simply won't see at all,” said Steve Metlitzky.
Anyone who sends a text message to a driver using the program will receive an alert letting them know the person will not see their message until they finish their journey.
It also works the other way, blocking the driver from using their phone while driving.
Seven News put textstopper to the test in an empty, safe carpark and the phone clearly switched off automatically when any interaction was attempted while the car was in motion.
But what happens if the driver simply turns off the app or disconnects the Bluetooth?
In that case, a parent or whoever set it up will be notified immediately via email or text message.
The team behind the program wants the WA Government to get on board.
“If we're getting repeat offenders using their mobile phones and potentially causing harm to themselves or others, why don't we look at legislating these sorts of devices, systems like this, to basically save people?” Mr Metlitzky said.
Textstopper costs $249 and will be launched across Australia this week.
There have been several high profile cases in recent months highlighting the dangers of phone-use while driving.
In Perth, a mother of two who sent and received ten text messages moments before driving into and killing a cyclist was jailed for three years last Friday.
