As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I know that distracted driving is a huge problem, especially for teens, which is why I headed up the Teens Against Distracted Driving program at several Fort Worth high schools this past spring. I am always happy to see a product that helps this dangerous problem. I realize for many people, it can be hard to give up using phones while driving. Now, some people are turning to cell phone applications to help break their habit.
iZup, a mobile phone app from Illume Software, is one of many cell phone applications that limit phone capabilities while driving. The iZup originally was only compatible with the Android phone, but the application will soon work with AT&T Media Mall, BlackBerry App World, Verizon V CAST, App Store for Windows Mobile, and Sprint's Digital Lounge as well. The application uses the GPS signal to lock it if it senses the phone is moving. The app sends all incoming calls to voicemail and doesn't allow the user to dial. All text messages are saved until the user is done driving. However, the application does allow calls to 911 while engaged. There is a monthly fee that comes with this application after downloading it onto your cell phone. For a single-user, iZup is $4.95 per month or $49.95 per year at the full-year discounted price. There is also a family plan available which allows three to five phones on a single account for $9.95 per month or $79.95 per year. Five percent of the annual net proceeds support organizations that educate people on the dangers of cell phone use while driving.
To get the iZup application, those interested have to go onto www.getizup.com and follow the steps to buy iZup, based on your existing cell phone carrier. A text message will then be sent to your phone to download it. It is that simple. Having this application on the phone removes that temptation to check your phone for a text message or use the phone to call somebody while you’re driving. I think it’s a great way to prevent distracted driving and it goes perfectly with my Teens Against Drunk Driving campaign and contest that took place earlier this year. Drivers of all ages need to be attentive and focused while driving, and using a cell phone can endanger both your own life and the lives of others. This new phone application is such a great way to encourage people to just put the phone down and wait until they are out of the car to make a phone call or read a text. Some of the current cell phone applications seem a bit trivial and unnecessary. The iZup, however, seems like a great way to save lives. I hope anyone who finds themselves consistently using their cell phone while driving will consider purchasing the application so the roads will be a safer place.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Dallas-Fort Worth traffic collision caused by a distracted driver, it is important that you discus your legal rights with a board certified injury attorney. The Anderson Law Firm would like to offer you a free, no obligation consultation on you personal situation. Call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.
Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.
Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.
For more information about Mark, see his biography.
