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New system to detect phone use

A new system dubbed the Textalyser could reveal if drivers in the US state of New York were using a phone at time of a collision. The device has been developed to allow police to analyse whether drivers were using a mobile phone at the time of a crash. The device checks the metadata on a phone to see if it was used recently. This method ensures that messages, contacts, photos, and so on are kept private. New York City is proposing that police use these devices to catch drivers who are distracted by thei
May 9, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
A new system dubbed the Textalyser could reveal if drivers in the US state of New York were using a phone at time of a collision. The device has been developed to allow police to analyse whether drivers were using a mobile phone at the time of a crash. The device checks the metadata on a phone to see if it was used recently. This method ensures that messages, contacts, photos, and so on are kept private.

New York City is proposing that police use these devices to catch drivers who are distracted by their phones. The proposed legislation claims, "Reports indicate that 67% of drivers admit to continued use of their cell phones while driving despite knowledge of the inherent danger to themselves and others on the road.

The new law is being introduced following a campaign by the family of a young driver who died in a collision caused by a distracted driver in 2011. The family has assisted with drafting the law and awareness through a campaign.

Meanwhile in Ireland, one road safety officer has suggested a drastic solution to mobile phone problem. The officer has proposed that motorists who are caught using their mobile phone while driving in Ireland to have their devices impounded.

A similar measure has been in effect in Cape Town in South Africa since 2012 and as of 2015, the programme had confiscated over 10,000 mobile phones.

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