Cell | Text Detection

Cell | Text Detection Antenna—fleet managers now have a way to prevent cell phone use and receive alerts when a driver is using a cell phone while driving.

request a demo

Cell and Text Detection Antenna

Receive alerts when a driver is using a cell phone while driving

In 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) issued regulations banning commercial drivers from using hand-held phones while driving. This nationally enforced ruling has placed the responsibility on employers to prevent drivers from engaging in this extremely dangerous and distractive practice of talking on the phone or texting while driving.  Facing potential fines of up to $11,000 and being held responsible for drivers’ actions, fleet managers and organizations need a proactive solution to prevent cell phone use by their drivers while operating company vehicles. With inthinc’s cell and text detection antenna, fleet managers can now be notified in real-time when drivers are inappropriately using a cell phone while driving.

Patented Detection Solution

This state of the art technology is the first of its kind. While other systems use preventative measures, such as signal blocking applications, these applications may be limited to certain types of smart phones (typically BlackBerry® only), or may be challenging to enforce from a management perspective. The inthinc directional antenna is a foolproof cell detection service, sending managers automatic notifications via email, text message or phone call when drivers' vehicles are in motion while a cell phone is in use.

inthinc's antenna detects cell phone waves emitted from the driver seat and reports it to the inthinc.com management portal. This technology can decipher various wave frequencies including phone calls, text messages and emails. Managers may adjust the settings to either send an in-cab voice alert to drivers when a cell signal is detected, or quietly report the violation to the manager.

Installation

Depending on the cab interior, the antenna installation process could take as little as 20 minutes and is a quick upgrade for those vehicles already using the inthinc telematics solution. The compact antenna is installed in the headliner of the vehicle located directly above the drivers’ seat. The antenna communicates data and is powered by set of small cables connected to the telematics controller device. After a quick firmware update, the system is ready for operation.

Click Image to
Download Your Copy

Detection/Operation

The Detection Antenna detects frequency waves emitted from a cell phone when in use and the vehicle is in motion.  Detected cell phone use/violations are reported to the inthinc.com portal and fleet managers are alerted in real-time allowing for immediate corrective action and interaction with drivers.

FMCSA Ruling — FMCSA 35-11

• Federal civil penalties up to $2,750 for each offense for drivers violating the restriction
• Disqualification from operating a CMV for multiple offenses
• Companies face a potential fine of up to $11,000
• Employer held responsible for drivers actions

FMCSA Has Indicated Written Policies Are Not Enough

Dangers of Cell Phone Use*

• 5,474 driver fatalities were caused by distracted driving in 2009
• Nearly half a million drivers were injured by distracted driving in 2009
• Distracted driving makes up for 16% of all traffic fatalities
• Commercial drivers reaching for an object, like a cell phone, are three times more likely to be involved in an accident
• Commercial drivers dialing a cell phone are six times more likely to be involved in an accident

* NHTSA - http://distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts