Technology helps fight texting while driving

When will the media realize that most smartphone users do not want their hardware locked down? I think real change on this issue is going to come from the end user - the delivery man, the car pooling mom, or the teen driver deciding to change their habits. From truckers to moms to teens that I spoke with on the issue of text and drive - there was one common thread. If presented with a Big Brother type lock down alternative, they will immediately seek "to get around it". This does not constitute change on our highways. Selling expensive software with recurring fees that is supposed to lock down the activity forgets that it is the end user (the driver) who will ultimately decide. Let's change behavior and we will see those violent crash rates plummet...now. I decided to do something about distracted driving after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver. Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially the younger generation) I built a tool called OTTER that is a simple GPS based, texting auto reply app for smartphones. OTTER also silences those distracting call ringtones unless a bluetooth is enabled. The texting auto reply also allows college students or office workers to schedule a ‘texting blackout period’ so they can focus on a lecture, a meeting, or maybe - just get some sleep without feeling disconnected. I think if we can empower the individual then change will come to our highways and possibly allow us to focus when we need to in any situation. Erik Wood, owner OTTER LLC OTTER app