VANCOUVER – Telus is test driving a new pilot project with B.C.-based mobile app company eBrake Technologies to help curtail distracted driving.
eBrake is a new, Canadian-made mobile innovation for Android and iOS smartphones that completely blocks a driver from using their device while driving, but grants passengers unrestricted use. When it detects vehicle-related motion, the software-based solution locks any device it is installed on and blocks incoming notifications. To unlock the device, the user must complete eBrake's patent pending Passenger Unlock Test, something a driver cannot complete while driving. It is this test, continues the news release, that distinguishes eBrake from other distracted driving solutions in the market.
Telus said that it will soon invite select employees to install and experience eBrake on their mobile devices. eBrake is in final testing and preparing for its North American launch in the near future.
"As a provider of the network that powers mobile devices, we have a responsibility to encourage Canadians to make safe smartphone decisions," said Telus’ chief communications and sustainability officer Andrea Goertz, in the release. "This pilot program will provide additional insights into this new technology so that it can be introduced to all Canadians, underscoring the dangers of phone use while driving and encouraging others to support the cause to end distracted driving."
"We are thrilled to be working with Telus and their team members to combat the distracted driving crisis," added eBrake Technologies co-founder and CMO Colin Osing. "Distracted driving causes too many accidents and destroys too many families. Working with a community leader like Telus is definitely a positive step in the fight."
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 8 out of 10 crashes in Canada are now caused by distracted driving and in the U.S., the National Highway Safety Administration blames distracted driving for the biggest jump in highway deaths in 50 years.
