Blackout Technologies aims to dramatically cut the number of vehicle collisions caused by distracted driving with the launch of a cell phone blocking tool. The in-vehicle solution prevents unauthorized access to smartphone apps and prevents notifications when behind the wheel, removing the temptation for fleet drivers to take their eyes off the road and discouraging illegal device usage.

Removing Distractions, Fostering Improved Concentration, and Enhancing Road Safety

“Cell phone distraction is believed to contribute to as many as 40% of vehicle collisions and has surged in recent years, which represents a huge and growing risk to fleets,” explained Mark Hadley, CEO of Blackout Technologies. “It is responsible for up to 9% of auto crashes resulting in an injury and over 12% of fatal collisions in the U.S., but authorities suspect the real number to be much higher as drivers typically do not report honestly after an incident. Research has also found that at any given moment 7.6% of drivers on the road are using a smartphone, so it is time that fleets take action to protect their employees, business and other road users.”

An Additional Layer of Safety for Drivers

Blackout’s blocking technology uses an app installed on a driver’s smartphone that connects to a Bluetooth beacon within the vehicle, or alternatively, an integrated fleet solution such as a connected dashcam or telematics unit. 

It activates when the vehicle is in motion, automatically restricting encrypted messaging tools, the camera and other popular apps, and includes a two-minute delay to prevent drivers using their smartphone when in stationary traffic. The solution provides an added layer of safety, while still allowing hands-free calls, satnav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and workforce systems.

Reducing Collisions By Smartphone Distractions

The technology also possesses crash detection functionality, based on high g-force events, whereby a notification is sent to the driver to verify if a collision has occurred and check on their welfare. An alert is then sent to the fleet manager via the Blackout management portal, which monitors active drivers and live device compliance status. 

Details of a confirmed incident can also be sent to other specified parties for an efficient safety and claims management response.

"Industry experts anticipate that our technology will reduce collisions caused by smartphone distractions by 10 to 20%, thereby helping to prevent many avoidable road injuries and deaths," stated Hadley. "Additionally, it is expected to enhance fleet performance, lower insurance costs, and protect brand reputation."