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Most people would agree that drunk driving is an unsafe and despicable act.
The utter disregard for human life required to drive while intoxicated is almost unfathomable.
Every day, however, millions engage in an activity that is just as dangerous – driving while on the cell phone.
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Today, cell phones play an integral role in our society. However, we must judge the convenience they
offer against the hazards they pose. According to CITA – The Wireless Association, over 230 million people
in the United States subscribed to wireless communication devices as of January 2007, compared with
approximately 4.3 million in 1990. Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a rise in the number of
people who use these devices while driving.
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Research shows that while using a cell phone when driving may not be the most
dangerous distraction, because it is so prevalent, it is by far the most common cause of this type
of crash and near crash. In one study performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), inattentive driving was a contributing factor in 93% of all collisions.
Inattentive driving includes talking, eating, putting on make up and attending to children, but the
use of cell phones and other wireless or electronic devices was the most common.
There are two dangers associated with driving and cell phone use. First, drivers must take their
eyes off the road while dialing. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations
that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the safety
of vehicle occupants and pedestrians. Increased reliance on text message services ("texting") further
increses the dangers on our roadways.
What can be done about this problem?
A new technology gives us the ability to disable the driver’s cell phone while the
car is moving; without affecting the phones of passengers. A car equipped with the D3 technology allows passengers
to use their cell phones without restriction, but any phone placed in the drivers seat will immediately go
"out of service" if the car is moving. Any wireless device may be restricted, or allowed, as laws and safety
permit.
“D3T will offer a solution for people who ignore possible laws on this topic and need further
encouragement to stop using their phones.”
Mr. Jack Brownhill
Chair of the European Insurance and Reinsurance Association (CEA)
Sub Committee on Prevention and Road Safety
Interested?
D3T is looking for the right company to purchase our patents and bring this life-saving
technology to the public. If your company is one that can take this technology and make
it happen, we want to hear from you.