It is abundantly clear that texting while driving can be unsafe. Texting forces you to divert your attention from driving, and that can have fatal consequences, but now a new software product is available that offers a simple solution to eliminating cell phone distractions and an easy way for drivers to make and keep this year’s most important New Year’s resolution. Illume Software has created iZUP, a mobile application that its developer claims effectively eliminates all cell phone-related distractions for drivers.
Once downloaded to your mobile device, the application waits quietly in the background and automatically launches when it detects that your phone is in a vehicle traveling over five miles per hour. (Or you’re running with it really fast.) While driving, incoming calls are sent to voice mail and text messages are held until the vehicle stops and the driver can read and respond to them safely. IZUP also prevents outgoing communication while driving, yet always allows emergency calls to 9-1-1 and authorized numbers, such as a parent’s cell phone.
“While most Americans are aware of the very real dangers of texting and driving, the habit of cell phone use while driving is a pervasive and difficult behavior to change,” said Illume CEO Matthew Growney. “We believe that a technology solution combined with legislation will ultimately be necessary to stop the widespread practice of texting and driving. IZUP provides drivers with an important safeguard that will, ultimately, be as routine as seat belt usage.”
For a limited time, Illume is offering a 30-day free trial of iZUP for those who sign up for the $4.95-a-month service. Annual subscription and family plans are also available at discounted rates.
