Even if the use of cell phones jammer in Germany is strictly prohibited in the car, hardly anyone sticks to it. The use of the smartphone at the wheel is one of the biggest accident risks. In contrast, Carmobility, the fleet management company of Volkswagen Financial Services, wants to do something. With the Safe Drive Pod, the company sells a small device that blocks smartphones in the company car, as long as they are not connected to the hands-free system. The system consists of a button-sized transmitter, an app and an online portal for fleet managers.
The hardware is placed anywhere in the vehicle, such as in the glove box, and connects to the app via Bluetooth. Radio waves and a vibration sensor make the system aware of whether the vehicle is moving. In this case, the app locks the screen of the phone. Telephoning is then only possible via the hands-free device. Navigation apps are usable, but can not be operated while driving. All other apps only continue in the background.
The integrated SOS function still allows the sending of a call in an emergency. As soon as the car is stationary for more than 20 seconds, the screen will be unlocked. The Safe Drive Pod works without GPS and should not record any trips.
Via the Internet portal, the fleet manager can view and evaluate the data of all registered devices in his company. As soon as a driver gets in the car, the device connects to the mobile phone via Bluetooth and blocks its user interface when the vehicle is moving. If the driver turns off the Bluetooth connection, he receives a reminder via push message and email.
The Safe Drive Pod works in all vehicles, including trucks or buses, and costs 2.99 per month. As part of a nationwide traffic safety campaign, Carmobility will be releasing 1,000 devices free of charge for one year in October.