Texting & Driving Detection

A recent article from thecarconnection.com states that police officers may soon get their hands on technology that will allow them to determine whether drivers are texting while behind the wheel. This new technology, produced by a Virginia-based company called ComSonics, takes the form and shape of a handheld device that functions as both a radar and a texting detector.

How Does the Texting Detector Gadget Work?

Using a similar concept, ComSonics has now designed a technology that can find when and where data is used on cell phones. Because text messaging uses slightly different frequency waves than other cell phone functions, the gadget cannot be confused with any other cell phone data or usage. If you’re worried about privacy, you don’t need to be. The developers of the device promise that it will not be able to decode and reveal the contents of a text message. And there are still questions about whether using a phone’s built-in voice assistant programming to text or input information into a calendar will be picked up, and what law enforcement may do with that information.

Many believe this new technology will help law enforcement officers and agencies put an end to texting while driving and stop distracted drivers before they harm other people sharing the road. Regardless of its potential applications, however, the device must still pass legal approval from state legislatures before the company can begin production, so it hasn’t hit the roadways yet.

South Carolina is among the 46 states that have outlawed texting while driving. As our injury lawyers know first-hand, distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roadways, and it is a problem responsible for far too many car wrecks. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) speak for themselves:

• In 2013, over 3,100 people were killed in traffic accidents involving distracted drivers.
• During the same year, roughly 424,000 people were injured as a result of distracted driving crashes.
• When texting behind the wheel, drivers’ eyes are taken off the road for an average of five seconds. If you are driving 55 mph, this equals enough time to travel the length of a football field – without looking at the road!

As of now, experts are working to improve and possibly test the technology. Currently, the texting detector gadget cannot determine which cell phone is being used in a vehicle if multiple passengers accompany the driver. This limitation is causing some to question whether the device will only be used on cars containing a lone driver or if it will still be used on cars with multiple people inside.

Aggressive Representation for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we understand how frustrating it can be to suffer the pain, stresses, and expenses of a car accident caused by another person. That is why we are here. If you have been injured by a driver who was texting or acting negligently, contact our South Carolina car accident lawyers to learn more about your rights! Our goal is to help you recover the financial compensation you need – FAST!

To put seasoned legal advocacy on your side of the courtroom, contact us for a FREE case review. We have helped more than 40,000 clients across the state get the compensation they deserve!

SOURCES

• https://www.techtimes.com/articles/15984/20140920/comsonics-radar-gun-promises-safer-streets-it-detects-if-youre-texting-and-driving.htm
• https://www.cnet.com/science/police-radar-gun-that-shows-if-youre-texting/