Cellcontrol, the leading developer of distracted driving solutions, expressed its commitment to provide automakers with a no-cost approach to quickly address and support one of the NTSB’s most-wanted vehicle safety technologies. At a press conference today, the NTSB released its annual list of "10 Most Wanted" safety improvements, including recommendations to stop distractions caused by in-vehicle usage of mobile telecommunications devices. Cellcontrol is broadly recognized as the leader in protecting fleets and families from the dangers of distracted driving, particularly texting while driving and other related unsafe activities. Cellcontrol has become the industry leader because its technology can be easily integrated into vehicles, the solution works on more device types and operating systems than any other solution in the world, and because of its well-documented intellectual property and patent protection.

According to safety advocates, the NTSB’s recommendations today mark the first time the board is telling regulators and automakers that this new generation of technologies should be required on all vehicles. Cellcontrol’s technology solution is based upon integration with a vehicle, and uses Bluetooth to automatically broadcast a vehicle status signal whenever the vehicle is moving. This signal acts as a safety beacon and immediately notifies in-vehicle mobile devices that their usage should be restricted according to a policy that is securely set up and managed online by parents or fleet managers. Automakers can integrate this patent-protected vehicle status signal into all Bluetooth-equipped vehicles with no required licensing or technology fees, thus complying with NTSB recommendations without any incremental expenses that might increase the cost of purchasing a safer vehicle.

Cellcontrol’s technology is uniquely suited to address NTSB concerns because it already supports more devices than any other solution in the world. In its recommendations today, the board urged device manufacturers to perfect technology that disables cellphones and other devices when they are within reach of an operator while the cars or trucks are in operation. Cellcontrol provides this protection on phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets and handheld devices using the Android, Brew, Blackberry and other leading operating systems. The application also works on iPhones and iPads, but is only available to commercial customers until approved by Apple for distribution through the App Store.

“We have participated in past NTSB and DOT forums addressing distracted driving and are committed to supporting their efforts to eliminate the well-documented safety hazards of distracted driving,” stated Rob Guba, CEO of Cellcontrol. “In addition to having a highly functional and easy-to-use solution, our technology is clearly protected by the leading intellectual property in this industry. This leadership is from trade secrets, copyrighted material, and patents both issued and pending, particularly U.S. Patent #6,690,940 entitled “System for Selective Prevention of Non-Emergency Use of an Electronic Device.” This specific patent provides only Cellcontrol and our partners with freedom to operate in any vehicle-related enforcement of distracted driving policies. In addition, and perhaps most importantly to automakers, our solution works seamlessly with and incents the usage of OEM handsfree or voice HMI systems such as Ford Sync, Chrysler uConnect, and GM OnStar By integrating our technology, automakers will help protect our roads and their customers will enjoy an improved and safer driving experience.”

About Cellcontrol

Cellcontrol, based in Baton Rouge, La., is the most accurate, reliable and enforceable solution to stop distracted driving caused by cellular phones and other mobile devices. For more information, go to www.cellcontrol.com.