Nationwide Insurance
plans to offer an auto insurance discount for policyholders who sign up to use DriveAssist.
Aegis Mobility's
DriveAssist automatically detects the
onset of driving and enables parents and corporations to stay in touch
with their teens or employees while minimizing cell phone use when
driving.
DriveAssist is a unique, patent
pending technology that provides a software-based mechanism to prevent
and control incoming and outgoing calls, text messages and Internet
access when a cell phone user is driving. This safe driving technology
will be offered next year through wireless operators.
The technology works like a personal assistant by informing the caller
that the person they are trying to reach is driving and can't
answer the phone or text message. The service offers options to the
caller, including the opportunity to leave a message, send an audible
alert or request a callback. The service always allows 911 calls and
offers an override feature for passengers.
Nationwide's second annual Driving while Distracted (DWD) study showed:
-
More than 80 percent of drivers admitted to talking on their
cell phone while driving. -
More than half of drivers have been hit by another car or nearly
hit by someone who was taking on their cell phone. -
Almost half of drivers agreed that cell phones are the most
dangerous distraction while driving. -
More than 70 percent of drivers felt pressure to be available by
cell phone or other electronic devices at all times.