EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY

EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY
A device that jams signals while the vehicle is in motion is probably the best guarantee that we don’t use a mobile while driving
DEEPTHI M R


The mobile menace is a creation of technology and therefore the best solution should also probably come from technology. One such solution is called Cell Control. This solution ensures that the driver of a vehicle cannot use her mobile while the vehicle is in motion. The technology is a hit among techies who believe that it is an ideal solution for reducing road accidents. RSVPD Kiran, a software engineer at Altair Technologies, said, “The device works in a very simple manner and is compatible with many cell phones. Basically it jams all incoming signal as soon as the car is on ignition and will allow them only when the car stops.” This also gets rid of the temptation to text while driving, which is considered even more dangerous than talking while driving. This way, it can prevent many accidents, since the onus of taking a call is not on the driver anymore. According to Dr Shrinivas K, a general physician, “While driving, there are two aspects. One is, we may miss important calls. But if the important call is a piece of bad news, then the concentration gets diverted. It is best that the driver doesn’t take any calls until he pulls over.”
Cell Control is a device that allows only emergency calls while driving and ensures that the driver gets the messages and missed calls once he stops the vehicle. This only applies to the driver’s mobile - the mobile phones of other people in the car continue functioning as usual.
NOT LOCALLY VIABLE?
But some people feel that this technology, which is currently available abroad, may not be relevant to India. “While the system seems very interesting, it is not viable for Indian situations. Here, the rule simply states that if you get a call while riding, you can simply pull over to the side and answer it. When the government has given this option, there is no need for a device like this,” says Hariharan Srinivasan, a software engineer at Oracle.
Praveen Sood, Additional Commissioner, (Traffic and Security) also feels that while such technology has its uses, the people angle matters more. “There should be willingness on the part of the people using the technology and it should come from within,” he points out.


NOT A GREAT IDEA
This device seems like a restriction on an already restricted rule. It is a good idea from the traffic management point of view, but we will be missing many calls while driving- not a great idea
— SHRUTI I L,
Freelance Journalist



WE DON’T NEED IT
I get many calls in a day and most of them are important ones. If I'm restricted to use it,then I will be in trouble. In India, we can pull over to the side and talk on the cell phone,this is not needed for us.It may suit the west
— SHADAN MUNEER,
Freelance Journalist



MAKE IT COMPULSORY
This is a great technology. Most people on Bangalore roads speak on their cell phones while driving. This causes distraction not only to the one using it, but also to the others. This should be made compulsory in India
RASHMI SHETTY, Software Engineer, Alcatel Lucent



WE BADLY NEED IT
This is great technology.We need it in Bangalore badly. I wonder if it can be implemented in buses as well.The bus drivers are always on the phone, no wonder they are rash while driving
NARESH BABU, Design Engineer, Global Technology Services With this report, we end the campaign — Editor