Coming soon, an app to restrict drivers from using mobiles while driving!
The Qatar Mobility Innovation Centre (QMIC) will soon launch the test of an application that can restrict people from using mobile phones while behind the wheel, Gulf Times has learnt.
“We’re going to pilot the technology that will target enterprises rather than individuals. We expect the enterprises to adopt the technology and follow it,” said Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, executive director and CEO, QMIC.
Dr Abu-Dayya said QMIC has been working on this project since 2014. “The whole concept of restraining drivers from using mobile phones is a complicated process. It’s a complicated model from user adoptability, from business perspective as well as from technology viewpoint,” he noted.
“We can embed this technology in a mobile through a software that can detect whether the person is driving or not. It can also set the speed limit within which the phone can be used. The software can be set in such a fashion that either the person can control the phone or the app itself will control the phone.
“So, when a call is received, the phone automatically sends a message saying that the person is driving and cannot take the call. Even if a person wants to call or send any message, the app will not allow it.”
However, according to the official, the major problem is the technology’s adoptability.
“We launched it sometime back and our focus was on individuals. We launched an android application and if it’s turned on, the phone will follow the directions of the app,” he pointed out.
“But not many people were willing to use this app on their phones which became a major hurdle. People didn’t want to use it. We thought of giving incentives but the usage was very low,” he lamented.
“Therefore, we’ve decided to change the focus to the enterprises (companies). With this technology, enterprises can control the phones of their employees. If an enterprise has a large number of vehicles, the manager of the enterprise can remotely control the phones of the drivers and other employees,” he highlighted.
“To make the programme successful, each enterprise must have a policy or regulation of restricting the drivers and employees from using the phone while driving. The managers can set the phones and instruct the employees when to use the phone and when it cannot be used. The software can also detect any violation on the part of the employees,” he continued.
Dr Abu-Dayya said that QMIC has the best solution for the problem in the region itself.
“We need to increase awareness as well as the use of the technology. We also have to change the mindset. If all the enterprises follow the system and enforce a policy for the employees, we believe that we’ve a chance to tackle mobile phone use while driving to a great extent which in turn will increase road safety,” he added.
The use of mobile phones while driving is a major cause of road traffic accidents across the world.
Courtesy: gulf-times.com
Nobody will use this app on their personal phones.
I Would say 75% of Qatari people are always on the phone whilst driving and the police will never stop them.
tat Francis
are u off ur head? 10k fine,
You are still linked to a phone and thus liable to distraction
what if we use bluetooth in our car???
Better than starting an app, rise the fines to 10k QAR... that will give impact!!!!
A man has to err ............ what ever you give to him or what ever you take from him ......................
It cannot work .. For a start , enterprises usually need to contact their drivers frequently for updates and changes.
Secondly, "It can also set the speed limit within which the phone can be used" - What use is that ? Ditraction at any speed can cause accidents
This is such exciting news - joys