RUNAWAY BAY, QUEENSLAND -- Australian inventor Ian Dutka has invented a simple device and accompanying mobile app that will help save the lives of teen drivers across the country. CBS New York reported in 2013, more than 3,100 people were killed nationally in crashes that involved a distracted driver. The device, aptly named Distractless, aims to prevent phone-addicted teens from being able to use their phones while driving. Distractless is made up of two parts, a small immobiliser to be fitted under the dash near the ignition, as well as a mobile phone app. The car will not start until the app is switched on. The car then starts as normal but the phone will not be able to send or receive text messages, phone calls or emails and disables social media and maps (the app still allows the ability to listen to music and voice-activated apps).
>>Technology news on Global TechWire, reporting the business of life sciences and innovation. Published by Innovative Public Relations, Inc., helping domestic and international clients achieve their business development and organizational goals.<<
The app reports breaches to a nominated third party (like parents, partners, or employers). Insurance companies are particularly interested as they will be able to tell if drivers who they cover with a policy breach the usage guidelines of Distractless and make a sneaky call or send a quiet text when they shouldn't, thus potentially breaching the terms of their policy.
Small-business commercialisation expert Bryan Vadas has explained that it’s not just young drivers that will benefit from Distractless.
“Employers country wide as well as fleet owners will also hugely benefit from Distractless, ensuring their employees and drivers are maintaining high levels of care with company vehicles,” said Vadas.
Launching Friday, Distractless has already garnered a lot of interest from major insurance groups and as a result, the possibilities may exist for the public to benefit from lower insurance premiums as a result of the product being installed.
“We have received interest from media, distributors, insurers, automotive groups and advocacy organisations across the world,” said Dutka. “We welcome further comment and feedback.”
Distractless’ website goes live next Friday 30th October and packages will be available for sale through the site.
Dutka is also actively seeking resellers and distributors in the U.S.A.
“We hope that Distractless will become universally adopted to reduce the road toll and save lives on roads everywhere,” said a very determined Dutka.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact Bryan Vadas on 0414 635 003 or email vadasb@bigpond.com
Visit the company website at www.distractless.com.au
