TransUnion, one of the three leading consumer financial data firms, has announced the development of a mobile app that the firm said would prevent the use of mobile phones while driving, particularly for teenaged drivers.
"A new technology market for distracted driving solutions is evolving due to increased driving-related injuries and fatalities as a result of smartphone use," Mark McElroy, executive vice president of TransUnion's insurance business unit, said.
TransUnion's insurance business unit developed the application in cooperation with CellControl, a Baton Rouge, La.-based company that has developed an app and in-car device that effectively shuts down mobile phones when users are driving.
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"While new laws have been passed in more than 40 states to regulate mobile phone calling and texting while driving, our partnership with Cellcontrol will provide additional benefits and security features to consumers," he added. "This is a positive example of how technology and information can help reduce insurance liability, accident costs, injuries and most importantly, the loss of human lives."
The app is designed to halt all mobile distractions, including texts, phone calls, emails and web browsing, the companies said in a joint announcement. Emergency calls (i.e. to 911) are always allowed through the system, and parents or account managers can decide which mobile functions to allow in a "protection mode" through an easy-to-use online application. Parents can also receive notifications of excessive speed, hard braking, device tampering and tracking the driving route of each trip.
"We created Cellcontrol to stop distracted driving and save lives," Cellcontrol CEO Robert Guba said. "We're not only creating a safer driving experience for our customers, we're promoting safer driving habits in the process. As a result, we're already seeing some of our customers beginning to save money on their insurance premiums."
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