Mobile phone blocking technology is emerging as a viable alternative to AI-powered driver-facing cameras for fleets looking to reduce illegal phone use without infringing on driver privacy, according to Blackout Technologies.
The company’s CEO, Mark Hadley, said opposition from drivers and unions is causing some fleets to delay or abandon the rollout of AI video telematics.
He explained: “Despite growing evidence about the dangers of illegal mobile usage, we are seeing fleets delaying or even halting planned AI camera rollouts due to pushback from drivers and their unions.
“Recent research suggests that very few drivers can complete a road journey, from start to finish, without touching their mobile device.
“If AI cameras are not an option for some fleets, then smartphone blocking technology offers a viable way of tackling this issue that is thought to contribute to as many as 40% of vehicle collisions.”
Illegal mobile phone use remains a widespread issue on UK roads. Operation Tramline, the Police initiative using unmarked HGV cabs, recorded 13,553 mobile phone offences out of 51,500 incidents spotted.
This is despite tougher laws, which now carry a £200 fine and 6 penalty points. Blackout Technologies says its software-based solution, activated via a telematics unit or dashcam, disables messaging, browsing, streaming and app alerts for the duration of a journey. A delay feature also prevents device use while stationary in traffic.
Hadley said: “Fleets need to take away the impulse for drivers to take their eyes off the road. The latest AI detection cameras can identify and alert on driver distraction, but this does not solve the underlying problem.
“Mobile blocking technology can tackle the problem at root by stopping illegal mobile device usage in the first place, without the perceived intrusion on a driver while at work.
“By removing this distraction, it becomes possible to prevent many avoidable road injuries and deaths.”
The system can also send collision alerts to fleet managers and issue a push notification to check on a driver’s condition if a suspected incident occurs.
This story was first featured on our sister title The Haulier.
