One way to minimize distracted driving might be to employ creative technological solutions. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been discussing a chip that will turn off the driver’s phone while he is behind the wheel with car-producing companies. However, a similar result can be achieved by using GPS-synced apps, which will track the position of the car and the driver’s phone, preventing texting and calls while the car is moving. Such a solution would be much more elegant as it would require no additional hardware and take much less effort to develop. The problem with this solution is the lack of onboard computers in many modern-day cars. However, it can be easily overcome by offering drivers charging devices with GPS-tracking capabilities, which can substitute any hardware lacking. Such stations can be produced cheaply and distributed through automobile accessories stores. They can also be outfitted with additional functionality, like GPS signal amplification and a stand to hold the phone being used as a navigator, making the device more convenient for the drivers thus making them more likely to use it. The technological solution is undoubtedly the easiest way to enforce the legislation by making it almost impossible to violate.
Another way to make sure people stay focused while driving is to make insurance companies provide the incentive for drivers to do so. It was the research by insurance companies funded Highway Loss Data Institute which compared crash rates from states prohibiting and allowing texting while driving and found that there was no improvement.
The insurance companies are bothered by the issue. With governmental approval, the companies can start to punish the repeated offenders by increasing their insurance payments. As senior vice president for research with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Anne McCartt noted drivers are aware that driving while using a phone is not safe
That means all they need to stop is a good incentive. And the fear of increased insurance rates seems like a convincing argument to stop texting and driving. Combining this solution with the software described above can allow companies to not only penalize but also encourage diligent drivers by giving them a discount for using the software and submitting the data it gathers to the company. That will give drivers a good reason not to use their phones behind the wheel without abusing legislation and constant fear of punishment.