Technology Professional Works To Enforce Dangerous Driving Laws
America makes a priority of war on geopolitical foes, on drugs, and on crime; but a great danger to the San Francisco Bay Area is none of those listed. Unable to put down their mobile devices, distracted drivers are responsible for traffic infractions ranging from minor collisions to deadly accidents. Now, there may be a way for business, technology and public policy to come together for compliance to existing laws.
More than one in every four traffic accidents are caused by cell phone use, according to the National Safety Council's injury and fatality report. Most cities have passed laws against the use of mobile devices while driving. Unable to properly enforce to the laws, municipalities have observed the problem persist with no clear resolution, but out of misfortune rises opportunity.
As a city that quickly embraces change and innovation, San Francisco can lead the nation in an aggressive new program proposed by ICCellular CEO, Michael Rosen, to uphold laws against distracted driving, however, it will take more than one company to transform the way drivers and law enforcement deal with their addiction to mobile.
Rosen is a dedicated crusader for safer roads and an inventor with 11 patents issued or pending. He is proposing a multi-pronged approach to address cell phone addiction, alert distracted drivers, and help the police cite noncompliance before it has a chance to result in a deadly accident. Embracing this approach requires a tremendous commitment on the part of the politicians, community leaders, and the taxpaying public. The underlying technology of ICCellular is a detection system using road-mounted sensors that detect when drivers use cell phones. The system is connected to a street-mounted sign which displays a warning to the driver.
"The message may remind the driver of safety or perhaps the amount of the traffic violation fine, if you get caught," Rosen said. "Many communities are still reluctant to pass laws to stop distracted driving, but everyone has to step up." Rosen believes that the responsibility begins with educating drivers immediately after detecting a violation to make the roadways safer. "The display can show images of the driver using their cell phone," he added.
A proponent of reclaiming time, revenues, and damages lost to what he calls "cell phone addiction," Rosen offers technology to companies unable to monitor mobile device in use in their offices. "A study of Fortune 500 companies shows a 17 percent loss in productivity due to cell phone use," he said. Addiction to mobile devices can be as serious as addiction to drugs and alcohol--and as deadly.
Rosen's focus on cell phone use is an inspired call to action after a career in marketing and sales of dialogic boards commonly used in automated answering services. He opted to not disclose any academic affiliation, saying only his background and education focused on radio frequency and engineering.
Residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Greg is a patented inventor, technology enthusiast and intrepid journalist. He finds inspiration in diverse experiences, organizations, people and places -- from restaurants to politics, movies, music and, most of all, his daughter.