So a lot of people are getting behind this move with the ban, texting while driving. We’re getting tech guru, Mario Armstrong joining us via Skype, he’s Skyping for us this morning from Baltimore. Good morning to you, I see you’ve got the whole – the football theme going here, but we’re talking … we’re talking about this technology, does this stuff really work? Explain it to us again, give us more of a detailed understanding of just how this thing keeps you from texting.
Yeah, so what I did TJ is I actually downloaded the software right onto my phone. In this case it was on to a Blackberry. The software that I tested, there are several different companies, the software I tested is by one called ‘iZup’ I Z U P. And essentially TJ, what it does is it detects motion, so as soon as the phone travels faster than five miles per hour it essentially shuts the phone down from all of its operations that you could typically do on the phone, typically being able to make text messages or make phone calls. It shuts it down and opens up an application on the device automatically by itself.
Scary Texting While Driving Video
[flv width="570" height="400"]http://ks-cdn-webfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/texting-while-driving.flv[/flv]
Well it opened up an application, again, what is that application we’re talking about?
Yeah, so that application is called iZup, I Z U P. And what it does TJ, is it basically only allows you to dial three numbers, these could be family or friends or parents, and 911. So you’re locked. You can’t do anything else but those four numbers if you’re moving in a vehicle.
Now this is a pretty serious and dangerous thing we know. We have some numbers here I believe, of just how dangerous this stuff is. Almost 6,000 people, by some estimates we’re talking about here, almost 6,000 people killed, 515,000 injured. These numbers are coming to us officially. Now there is a movement that of course…
That’s right.
And some states have done it to curb it by passing laws.
It’s not enough though, no.
But there’s not enough of this technology you’re talking about though, unless the cell phone maker puts it on there, everybody else, it’s up to you to go get it on your phone yourself, correct?
You’re bringing up a couple of great points. Number one, we’re talking about only 19 states. Look at some of these numbers, only 19 states and Washington D.C. ban the use of text while driving. So we’ve still got a lot of work still yet to go on that. And then when you look at the amount of people that are using cell phones, 276 million people, and then the amount of text messages that are happening TJ, look at this number, this is bloomy away, and this is just the first half of 2009, 740 billion text messages are being sent, this is almost double from last year. So people are using these devices more and more. And you know, the thing is TJ, I’m not really for using technology to fight this problem. I really think that this is a problem of discipline and a problem of our culture, but hey, the technology worked, I tested it and I’ve got to tell you if that’s what it’s going to take to have safer drivers on the road, I’m behind it.
You know, that’s a great point, but you’re still talking about we have to take our own personal responsibility.
That’s right.
Either you can force yourself to take responsibility by getting the software or you could just use your commonsense and use some good judgement and not text while you’re driving. One more thing here, how much does this thing cost to get that software on the cell phone?
Yeah, well you just – yeah, you just mentioned, it would be free if we did it your way.
Yeah.
This shouldn’t cost anything. But …but the way this – the particular program I tested was 4.99 a month. So that’s not cheap.
Wow!
You know I really think the companies should just go to a one-time fee. And really I think car manufacturers are taking a step further and require hands-free capabilities in all vehicles. It would help to curb this problem.
That’s a point there, but man, five dollars a month, you’re right, that’s not exactly cheap. It’s not a one-time fee.
Five dollars a month, yeah. So here’s the deal, I use this man, I recommend the Jawbone Bluetooth as a hands-free set. This is the best one on the market that I’ve tested. I’ve tested a lot of them out there, and I’ve got to tell you, if you are going to talk and drive use the Jawbone icon, it’s just one of the best units I’ve tested out there. So if you have to do it, at least start using some technology to make you a safer driver.
Alright, Mario Armstrong is our tech guru and also the new paid spokesperson for Jawbone, it appears.
No man, I’m not, I’m just trying to tell people.
I’m kidding Mario, I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Hey, good to see you as always man, enjoy the rest.
Oh, it’s a no phone zone man, stop messing with me, it’s a no phone zone.
The no phone zone, we appreciate it all, it’s always good…
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