ATON ROUGE, La. - In an effort to minimize distracted driving, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) volunteered to participate in a pilot study of the Cell Control device. Cell Control restricts the usage of a mobile device while the user is operating a moving vehicle.
"This pilot gives us the opportunity to explore technology as a means to help keep our roads safe," said Interim DOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas. "Minimizing distractions while driving protects our motorists and is a step forward for our state."
Seven Cell Control devices will be installed in the state vehicles of DOTD leadership, including that of Interim Secretary LeBas. The pilot study will review the effectiveness of the device and help determine its ability to maximize safety.
DOTD volunteered to implement this pilot program, which is part of a nationwide push by the U.S. Department of Transportation to curb distracted driving among government employees while on the job. DOTD applauds the efforts of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to address the recent federal mandate against distracted driving due to cellular devices through this program.
Calls, emails and/or text messages are received and stored, but cannot be accessed when the device is enabled and the vehicle is in motion. Normal functions will resume when the vehicle is not in motion.
The Cell Control device can be customized to fit the specific needs of the driver, company or agency using it. It connects to the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port, which is located underneath the dashboard.
Drivers are always able to dial 911, even when the car is moving and mobile devices are otherwise disabled. DOTD leadership will utilize Cell Control for approximately one month. The devices were donated to DOTD as part of the pilot initiative.