Unfortunately, despite thousands of documented injuries and fatalities, many people still text while they drive. In California, this is most certainly the rule rather than the exception. It is all too common to see someone flying down the highway, all the while glancing down at his or her phone, attempting to type a new message.
A new application developed by two enterprising brothers from Florida may help put the brakes on this dangerous habit. Entitled TXTShield, co-founders Phil and Geoff Stiles hope it will not only lower statistics but also change how drivers act. “The goal is to change the behavior so when they start driving, they don’t even look,” said Phil Stiles in a recent CBS News report. “If you’re driving, it doesn’t matter whether you’re going to the store or going to Georgia, they should not be texting.”
TXTShield operates like a governor for your phone. Working in conjunction with the phone’s own GPS, TXTShield monitors your speed. Once your vehicle hits a designated limit, which can be anywhere from 10 to 40 miles per hour, the phone’s texting ability goes into lockdown and automatically submits a message to anyone texting at the moment that you are driving. “We have such a desire to stay connected, and tech has made it so easy. We almost feel guilty when we don’t respond. Auto response – that gives you the peace of mind immediately,” commented Stiles. This ability to lock the phone’s ability to text and offer a means of communication is especially appealing to parents’ of teen drivers, employers and other people looking to monitor a driver’s safety.
TXTShield is administrator based and cannot be deleted or unlocked without the other individual’s awareness. Unfortunately, this can lead to complications. Currently, TXTShield cannot distinguish between someone driving or riding in a vehicle. This in turn locks passengers out of their phones once a car reaches a certain speed. The company is currently developing a work around to allow certain modes without compromising the application’s intended goal. Additionally, TXTShield is available on all platforms, which makes access relatively easy for anyone with a mobile device.
Keep in mind that texting while driving is illegal in the state of California. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident where the at-fault driver was texting, be sure to contact the personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C., today. Call (916) 444-0100 to set up a comprehensive consultation.
