Cellcontrol, A Technology to Stop Distracted Driving

21 March 2011 - Cellcontrol is a combination of hardware and software that pretty much does exactly that: controls your cell. Or, in a more simple manner, it prevents the driver from engaging into activities that might be considered distracted driving by disabling functions and communications of the mobile gadgets.

At the core of the system lies a GPS, which detects when the phone is on the move and automatically disables the functions that might distract the driver. The manufacturer of the system says that their product is compatible with 1,000 mobile devices that range from phones, multi-use handhelds, tablets and ending with laptops.

Another important hardware for Cellcontrol is the Bluetooth trigger, which is used to integrate the system easily with any of the aforementioned devices.

Because of a feature that the manufacturer calls Cellcontrol Protection Halo, all the mobile devices within a defined list will be subjected to the same rules as the primary device.

WHAT DOES IT DO
The Cellcontrol is designed as a tool for those who have a hard time not talking or texting while driving. It requires the Cellcontrol GPS to be installed on the mobile device (you can do that by following this link and the steps described there). After that, it's all about detailing and setting up the system (called defining policy).

The Cellcontrol has been designed in such a way that it has a series of key features. They are listed below:
- handsfree – recognizes safe driving mode and allows calling when BluetoothTM headset is detected
- whitelist – allowed list of inbound/outbound phone numbers such as supervisor and parents
- phone apps – allows the use of location and mapping applications like Google Maps
- highway mode – defined cruising time and speed to temporarily stop Cellcontrol protection for a moving vehicle
- call forwarding – set forward phone numbers answer all calls
- time of day/day of week – protection schedule allows for custom enforcement during all hours
- safe override – security feature notifies administrators on requests to temporarily stop Cellcontrol protection

HOW DOES IT WORK
When using Cellcontrol, all devices that have the system enabled, and while the car is in motion, (it only kicks in when it detects the car is in motion, idling while at a traffic light for instance will disengage the system) will let the owners know about their inability to call or receive calls or messages by displaying a blocking screen. Emergency calls are allowed at all times, as are some predefined numbers included on the white list.

Interesting to say, the system allows the user to block whatever functions he or she wants. That means that you can block incoming/outgoing calls, but allow incoming/outgoing messages.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Cellcontrol is, at least at first glance, a very useful feature, as it will more definitely reduce the number of distracted driving cases. Its advantages, however, pale as soon as you learn how to trick it. Placing into the hands of the user the choice of what functions to block or allow is not much better than not having the system at all.

Cellcontrol is, if you like, a booster tool for self-control. You can block all phone numbers in the phone book, and keep them blocked while you drive, or can unblock your closest friend's number, the friend with whom you speak for hours on the phone.
 

Source: Cellcontrol.com

 
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