Smartphone-Blocking Tech Prevents Driver Distraction Crashes

While the use of mobile phones continues to be a main cause of vehicle accidents, a range of technologies has become designed to combat driving distraction. From mobile applications to integrated material systems, these tools aim to limit the use of the phone while driving. But a more in -depth examination reveals significant differences in the effectiveness of distractions, especially in the vehicles of the fleet.

While applications like At & T’s Drivemode and Apple integrated do not bother while driving offers basic protections, they rely strongly on driver’s cooperation. Many can be bypassed with a scan or a second phone, limiting their efficiency when liabilities and security are essential.

“We believe that technologies that reduce visual-manual interaction with phones are obviously a good thing,” said Ian Reagan, a principal researcher at the Insurance Institute for Road Safety Spectrum ieee. “But most are opt-in. We would like to see them as a default opt-out.”

“Mobile use during driving is dependence. We needed a system that prevents distraction without waiting for the driver to choose security. This is what we built. ” Ori gilboa, saverone

Now, a new generation of anti-disrection technology goes from elbows to the hard application. And for companies that manage the fleets of drivers, issues – and solutions – become more serious.

The need for enforceable solutions

“There is a difference between the monitoring tools and the tools that prevent,” explains Ori Gilboa, CEO of Saverone, a startup from the Tel Aviv region leading a new wave of solutions integrated into equipment that makes the cooperation of the pilot a non-emission. “This distinction is important when lives are at stake.”

The Saverone system uses a network of passive sensors to scan the vehicle cabin for phones, identify the driver’s device and place it in “safe mode” – blocking risky applications while allowing essential functions such as navigation and pre -applated voice calls. Above all, the system works even if the driver tries to cheat by deactivating Bluetooth or by providing a second phone.

Designed to be the pilot test

The system consists of four small hidden sensors and a central receiver – on the size of an iPhone – installed inside the vehicle. It can identify mobile devices inside the centimeters and distinguish conductive and passenger phones. If the driver’s phone is active and does not connect to the application of Saverone, a buzzer sounds until the problem is solved.

“What distinguishes us is our approach before prevention,” explains Gilboa. “Most systems focus on what did not work afterwards. We stop distraction before it happens.”

Gilboa said that system design respects driver usability, preservation of tools such as rotating navigation and vocal calls for approved contacts. “We want the drivers to be accessible, but not distracted,” he adds.

Global expansion, measurable impact

Since he launched his second generation product in 2022, Saverone quickly widened. After the first pilot deployments with Israeli fleet operators such as Bynet Data Communications, Israel Electric Corporation and the Froneri ice provider, the company obtained a traction, obtaining agreements with a larger range of Israeli companies. In mid-2023, CEMEX Israel, the local subsidiary of the world cement giant, had agreed to deploy the driving prevention system on its fleet of 380 vehicles. In January 2024, following a successful test with 17 trucks, Strauss Group, one of the largest food and drinking companies in Israel, decided to install the Saverone system on its fleet of 80 food delivery trucks. Although smaller than the CEMEX Israel contract, this agreement has proven significant because Strauss has accumulated data demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in accident rates among equipped vehicles. This news helped Saverone in his candidacy to globalize. Cemex has since equipped trucks in fleets across Europe. In the United States, Saverone is now adopted by Fedex entrepreneurs in North Carolina and Philadelphia, Gilboa explains.

Some fleet operators report up to 60% reduction in accident rates after installation. Although these figures are difficult to check independently, a more concrete metric is the telephone interaction. Fleet managers observed a spectacular drop – drivers checking their phones 10 times per hour to zero.

“The system educated by behavior,” explains Gilboa. “It is not a question of punishment – it is a question of making the right choice automatic.”

But Reagan warns that the long -term behavior change remains unproven, by comparing it to the first intelligent speed assistance tests in Europe using systems that have detected vehicle locations, used digital cards to keep track of local speed limits and reduces engine power to prevent vehicles from exceeding the legal limit. “When the limiter was on the move,” says Reagan, “people obeyed the displayed speed limits. When it was turned off, they accelerated again. [driver-distraction-prevention system] Creates a lasting change – finally, we just don’t know yet. »»

Could the regulations be the tilting point?

Despite promising results, broader adoption – especially in the consumption market – may depend on the regulations. The Reagan of IIHS notes that, although distracted the driving officially represents approximately 10% of the deaths of the accident, or around 3,500 deaths per year, the real figure is probably much higher. Despite the sub-account, the emergency is always difficult to ignore. As Reagan said, “Telephones allow you to mentally escape from the car, even when you tank the highway 115 kilometers per hour [about 70 miles per hour]. This is the real danger.

He adds that government regulations forcing car manufacturers to install systems like that of Saverone could change the situation. “Technology exists,” said Reagan. “What we need is the political will to mandate it.”

Saverone is still focused on fleet customers, but the company is under discussion with insurers exploring the offer of discounts to young or high -risk drivers who use distraction prevention systems, Gilboa explains.

“Mobile use during driving is dependence,” he says. “We needed a system that prevents distraction without waiting for the driver to choose security. This is what we built. “