TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

10 Smart Cell Phone Blocker Apps

Joe Maglitta | Date: 05-03-10 | Comments

Organizations without mobile cell phone and text messaging policies are playing a dangerous game of chicken. Smart new technology can help minimize liability and risk.

Bans on texting while driving may be reaching a tipping point. Two weeks ago, Kentucky became the 23rd U.S. state to prohibit texting while driving. Others are expected to follow suit. They join the federal government, which recently banned texting while driving for employees. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been on a months-long crusade, including an appearance on Oprah.

By now, we�re familiar with the bloodless stats: Nearly 6,000 deaths each year attributable to distracted driving, including texting, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But let�s face it: Are people really paying attention? How many �tut-tut� the latest horrible accident, then quickly return to distracted texting and talking (often in the name of business productivity)? Lots.

Corporations without mobile cell phone and text messaging policies are playing a dangerous game of chicken. Increasingly, courts are awarding big settlements in such cases. A South Carolina judge, for example, recently awarded $5 million to the families of two bicyclists killed by a driver talking on a cell phone. The driver was in a company car, so her employer�s insurance was liable. Lawyers are jumping all over these kinds of cases; expect more. No surprise that smart companies such as Chrysler are implementing corporate policies banning texting while driving.

Whether you�ve got a formal policy or not, a host of new hardware and software can help remove the temptation, for you or family members, especially text-crazy teen drivers. Low-cost apps are available for iPods (this summer), BlackBerrys, Windows and Android phones. Here is a sampling of cell-phone blockers worth checking out. Most block all texting or calling once activated by the user or by vehicle movement:

tXTBlocker

Cell Safety

DriveCarefully

Auto TextBak

DriveSafe.ly

ZoomSafer

DriveAssist

iZUP

PhonEnforcer

Key2SafeDriving

On the topic, you or your kids may want to check out new videos by AT&T on corporate texting responsibility.

Does your organization have an employee safe cell phone policy? Why or why not? How�s it working? Have you tried any of the new blocking devices? Weigh in below.