While several campaigns aim to stop texting while driving, here’s one that allows you to safely use your cell phone while driving. This campaign was created by an Israeli start-up called Project Ray. It introduced the RayGo, a device that lets you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, and use your phone while driving.
Related: Kentucky Again Participates In U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
How does RayGo work?
A five-key navigation controller is clamped to your steering wheel. The device then connects to your smartphone via a free app called the “Drive Mode.” When you use this device, you no longer have to hold on to and look down at your phone while driving. As you begin driving, the apps automatically convert to Drive Mode. Any text messages you receive are read out loud. You may then respond by recording a message or you may also send a notification that you’re driving and will respond later. RayGo also has a helpful feature for when you are speeding up or turning. RayGo will slows down and postpones notifying you of a new message until you’re on a straight road. That way you won’t be tempted to look at the phone.
RayGo was originally created for the hearing and visually impaired. However, RayGo’s creators eventually saw the technology’s potential to solve the issue on cell phone use while driving. RayGo founder, Michael Valulenko, said the Ray Smartphone can help more than just the blind. It can help everyone who drives a vehicle. RayGo will be available by October 2015.
Texting while driving statistics
Driver distraction is the leading factor in most crashes in the U.S., stated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Kentucky alone, more than 53,500 crashes were recorded in 2014 leaving 14,000 injured and 169 killed. The five seconds you spend using your phone while traveling at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without you looking on the road. That is extremely dangerous and could be deadly. Not to mention that texting makes a crash 23 times more likely to occur. Not only that, merely reaching for your phone increases the risk of crash.
Related: AAA Study: Distractions, Serious Problem Among Teen Drivers
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, l also support safe driving practices. I have to admit that I’m not sure how I feel about using your cell phone to help prevent you from using your phone while driving. At the same time, I see how it could help decrease cell phone-related accidents. When your phone reads a text to you and allows you to record a message back without having to take your hands or eyes off the road, it could help us to not reach for our phones. With that, let’s see how RayGo fares on its actual release and what drivers think of the technology. I hope it helps decrease cell phone-related accidents. These accidents have taken too many lives, and it’s time to put an end to distracted driving.