U.S. auto insurer launches distracted driving prevention tool for teens

Esurance, a United States auto insurance company owned by Allstate, has launched a new technology offering aimed at preventing distracted driving, particularly among teen drivers.

The offering, which involves a free application, can block mobile phone calls, texts, e-mail, Internet and other smartphone apps while the car is in motion, the company said. The app isn’t available in all states where Esurance operates because of regulatory issues, the company said. 

Customers can download Esurance’s free app, then plug a small device into their vehicle’s on-board diagnostics port and enter settings for which devices they want to control, which can include  cell phones, laptops and tablets, according to the company.

The offering uses non-pairing Bluetooth technology from Cellcontrol, which offers distracted driving prevention technology, and remains active until the car is completely stopped.

The technology works with Android, BlackBerry and most Windows phones, and a select amount of non-smartphones, and iPhone compatibility will be available soon, Esurance says.

“Distracted driving of all kinds is a critical problem,” Robert Passmore, senior director of Personal Lines Policy for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) commented in a statement.

Parents can also receive email notifications if a teen driver attempts to disable or remove the device, delete the smartphone app, or switch off Bluetooth functionality, Esurance says.

According to Esurance, the app also offers customized settings that can:

• “Define what to block – texts, email, phone calls and apps are blocked by default, but users can enable calls via a hands-free device or headset
• Enable web apps – lets the user define which apps can be used, even when the device is in blocking mode, including music and navigation apps
• Block all but emergency calls – users can make 911 the only number a driver can call while behind the wheel
• Create a whitelist – users can also define which numbers the app won’t block”

“This is a great example of how our members have led the way on auto safety issues,” he added. “PCI has long supported efforts to promote awareness of the issue and technology is one tool that people can use to protect themselves, their passengers and fellow motorists from the hazards of distracted driving.”

Esurance claims to be the only major insurance company in the U.S. to offer this type of distracted driving solution for its teenage policyholders.

However, there are several apps on the market that have similar features and block mobile use on the road.