System blocks calls, texts to prevent distracted driving

BATON ROUGE, La. — Cellcontrol, a supplier of distracted driving solutions, has adapted its cellcontrol technology to Class A (SAE J1939) units. This will allow the technology to operate in a variety of fleet vehicles, including commercial vehicles, big rigs and school buses.

Utilizing a vehicle’s onboard computer, cellcontrol determines when the vehicle is moving at any speed and instantly blocks the use of a driver’s cell phone, laptop computer or other mobile device based on a company’s distracted driving policy.

Mobile phone functions that cellcontrol can prevent include making phone calls, text messaging, e-mailing, Web browsing and push-to-talk. Calling 911 is always allowed. Incoming texts, e-mails and calls are received but cannot be accessed or responded to while the vehicle is moving.

Cellcontrol also enables users to "white list" certain numbers to be allowed through the system. For example, a fleet manager can have calls from his company go through to his drivers' phones. Moreover, users have the freedom to customize which mobile features they want to prevent.

In addition, cellcontrol will report idle time, mileage and speed capturing for fleet managers who want to ensure that their drivers are following correct company policies and procedures when it comes to the operation of the company’s vehicles.

"An accident caused by a driver of a bus or 18-wheeler while using their mobile device has the potential for traumatic results and significantly increases the odds of a fatality in comparison to a passenger vehicle," said Chuck Cox, CEO of cellcontrol. "Because of this very real danger of such negligent activity, as well as federal and state laws, we have now proven our capability to work in both passenger and heavy vehicles, allowing for the first time a safe, reliable and accurate technology solution which will . . . [prevent] bus and truck drivers from texting while driving."