New apps block cell phone notifications while driving

REGINA – Distracted driving is increasingly becoming one of the top safety concerns for SGI.

In 2012, more people were killed by distracted drivers than impaired drivers. In 2013, 5700 crashes were blamed on distracted driving, resulting in 2000 injuries and 32 deaths.

At the end of June 2014, new traffic laws were implemented, including tougher consequences for distracted driving.

SGI’s Kelley Brinkworth said the penalties increase based on the number of infractions.

“If you are caught using your cell phone for the second time within a year, then your vehicle is seized for seven days. That’s on top of the fine. There’s a $280 fine for cell phone use or driving without due care and attention,” said Brinkworth.

Drivers would also get four demerit points on the safe driver recognition program, meaning insurance would increase.

Now, cell phone apps are being designed to help keep your focus on the road.

“There’s a couple of ways that I’ve seen they can do it,” said David Gerhard, an associate professor in computer science at the University of Regina. “One is to detect how fast you’re moving and then turn off certain notifications when you’re moving 10 or 15 kilometres an hour.”

Other apps take over the home screen when activated, and have to be intentionally cancelled with a password. Gerhard said he doesn’t believe they are as effective.

“The ones that turn off when you reach a particular speed are the best, because you don’t have any control over it. With any of these it’s all about wresting control away from your future self,” he said.

In the event of an emergency or urgent incoming call, the apps often feature settings to let certain contacts break through.

One of the newest free android apps called OneTap, developed in Alberta, sends contacts messages on your behalf alerting people you’ll respond to their texts when it’s safe to do so.

“What we’re finding is a massive change in what the texter does. The texter right now is continuing to text, because he’s not getting a response back. Once he gets a response that says you are driving, they leave you alone,” said Ted Hellard, founder AppColony.

Gerhard, however, still sees one major flaw with the concept itself.

“The problem for me, is that the people who are most likely to be distracted driving, are probably the least likely to install the app.”