App Could Stop Young Drivers From Checking Phone
If the app detects the car is in use, the phone is locked - disabling calls, texts, emails and social media.
14:25 Tuesday 03 May 2016
A mobile phone app could stop young drivers from checking their smartphones while at the wheel.
Romex has developed an app which uses the phone's GPS system to determine whether a car is travelling at 4mph or more.
If it believes the car is in use, the device is locked - disabling calls, texts, emails and social media.
Romex already provides the service to companies that want to track their fleet, but is now eyeing the consumer market, according to Auto Express.
It will be specifically targeted at younger drivers and could launch later this month.
Sales director Steve Arscott told the website: "It's called Distraction Prevention. We're approaching younger drivers because they're the ones most likely to be glued to their phones."
The paid-for service will work in conjunction with an app called Guardian, which sends location information on young drivers to their parents.
Guardian also shows whether a driver has been speeding. Mr Arscott said: "We're looking for insurance partners at the moment.
"One good incentive for a young driver to have it on their phone is they would get a rebate on their insurance policy."
