A new smartphone app to curb distracted driving: when your car moves, the drivers texting ability stops.
Driven by the need to crack down on distracted driving, Westport inventor Scott Rownin has come up with what’s called “SafeRide,” which allows your smartphone to help you use a bit more common sense.
“What we do is when you lock the phone we first mute the audio so all the notifications and alarms go away, and we disable the hardwire buttons so basically the temptation to use your phone will go away,” Rownin said.
The app uses Bluetooth technology to disable the phone based on motion.
Rownin said the technology will eventually help people to put down the cellphone and just drive. The app will be available for Android phones starting in July and will cost about $50. All of the manufacturing for the product is being done in the state.