Fuelcards.co.uk motoring news: Distraction subtraction

Modern drivers are so accustomed to constant connectivity via mobile phones and other technology that they are at greater risk of distraction, a senior research fellow at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has claimed.

According to Fleet News, Dr Nick Reed told attendees at a TRL seminar that mobile communications are affecting drivers’ tolerance for the isolation needed to drive safely.

He said: “Driving is becoming a distraction from life rather than life being a distraction from driving. Isolating yourself to drive is an unusual experience because you are connected and productive for so much more of the time now.”

Meanwhile, mobile phone application izup, by Illume Software, takes a fresh approach to the issue of driver distraction.

Once installed, izup detects and automatically activates when its host device begins to move at a speed faster than five miles per hour. Once activated, izup automatically diverts all incoming calls to voicemail, and blocks all SMS messages as well as other apps except for navigation ones. A limited ‘white list’ of phone numbers remains available for outbound calls.

Mark Thirman, Vice President of Business Development for Illume Software, told Apple news website Macrumors.com that the app is aimed at fleet managers and parents who wish to encourage safe driving.

Izup is currently available for Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile phones. A version for the iPhone will be released in the summer following the launch of forthcoming software update iPhone OS 4.

Achieve added control over your fuel purchases with a fuel card .  Fuelcards.co.uk will help you to manage your account and transactions for optimum efficiency and convenience.