Book Your Theory Test Online reviews new, patent applied for technology that will discourage texting while driving.
Apple’s contribution to the motoring world looks set to expand beyond in-car entertainment systems, Book Your Theory Test Online has learnt. The technology giant has filed a patent for a ‘driver handheld computing device lockout’ according to an article published by techweekeurope.co.uk
Book Your Theory Test Online understands that the new technology would disable the ability of a Smartphone to receive text messages should the user be driving a vehicle.
Book Your Theory Test Online is aware, thanks to various sources, that the patent has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
In a statement from an Apple spokesperson, they said: “Texting whilst operating a motor vehicle has become a major issue when it comes to road safety and, in the US and the UK, has become the number one distraction for teenage drivers. We believe that there is not enough education when it comes to texting behind the wheel.”
The spokesperson added: “The use of mobile phones gets very little coverage in theory test resources and is rarely alluded to in the theory test itself. Furthermore, there is no deterrent within legislation and laws that are in place are rendered useless because they can be bypassed by simply placing the phone in your lap.”
Commentators in the UK argue that texting while driving has become so rife that any law enforcement measures put in place will have little impact. They also state that the introduction of a text disabling device would be a major unique selling point for worried parents.
Book Your Theory Test Online understands that the patent filed by Apple features two versions of the proposed device, one that requires modification to the vehicle and one that does not.
A single Smartphone would have the ability to detect whether a user is operating a motor vehicle through a motion analyser powered by data compiled by the device’s GPS system, accelerometer, light sensor or mobile phone data. If a user is found to be driving the phone would be able to disable some of the functions, for instance, texts and calls.
Should a vehicle require modification, a radio signal would be emitted either from the vehicle, or from the vehicle’s keys, which would be paired with an individual device.
However, there is an obvious flaw to either device and that is the passengers would also experience limited phone functions. But, Apple has a plan to counter-act this problem using a scenery analyser, which would require a passenger to pan their phone camera around the vehicle to prove they are not operating the vehicle.
Book Your Theory Test Online is unable to disclose at present whether the device will be restricted to use with Apple devices or if it will have the ability to control other devices made by competing manufacturers. Watch this space…
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