CalAmp a technology solutions pioneer transforming the global connected economy, today announced it has licensed intellectual property from Katasi, a Colorado-based company, to develop network-based distracted driving avoidance technology as a key component of its expanding vehicle safety application suite. The solution blocks text message,
The CalAmp distracted driving solution will be available as a standalone, over-the-top micro-service or as part of a bundle with other CalAmp services such as CrashBoxx™, LoJack® SureDrive™ and CalAmp’s fleet management applications. The micro-services will enable CalAmp to deploy driver safety technology to a large percentage of its telematics device installed base.
Unlike other distracted driving products on the market, Katasi’s patented technology works in concert with CalAmp telematics products and paired mobile devices to block text messages at the source network level. This network-based blocking technology assures a more robust distracted driving avoidance solution for any customer whose telematics services are powered by CalAmp technology. It provides a user experience that is seamless to the driver and is automatically engaged while the vehicle is in motion.
Distracted driving from mobile texting continues to plague commercial fleet operators and consumers, and presents increasing liability for insurers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), one in every four motor vehicle crashes involve cell phone use. The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) reports that while 98 percent of drivers surveyed believe that texting while driving is dangerous, 66 percent admit to doing so.
“We all can attest from personal experience that distracted driving is now an epidemic. The business and social costs are staggering; each collision, each loss of life, all the more heartbreaking from a cause that is often simply the temptation to stay connected and not miss out,” said Scott Tibbitts, CEO of Katasi. “With CalAmp we are partnering with a leadership team and company similarly committed to provide a truly effective solution to distracted driving avoidance. By deploying their technologies in partnership with US Telco’s and Katasi, we can stop distractions before they reach a drivers phone. We are honored and excited to be working with Michael Burdiek and CalAmp, contributing to “The New How” for saving lives, and making this important technology available to CalAmp customers.”
CalAmp is committed to leveraging its technology to improve road safety by reducing distractions, encouraging safe driving behavior and providing real-time crash response to save lives. Together for Safer Roads® and CalAmp are collaborating to utilize state-of-the-art telematics and intelligent mobility technology like that enabled by Katasi to minimize driver risk and address strategic road safety challenges.