iZup (‘Eyes Up’); Is it a Viable Solution to Phone Based Distracted Driving?

This morning, I posted "Let the message wait…", a blog about the dangers of distracted driving in general and texting or talking on the phone and driving, in particular. The blog was picked up and republished on Twitter, by a company that manufactures Izup ("eyes up"), a product that claims it is your "best solution to prevent distracted driving". Apparently, the company sells technology that holds your incoming and outgoing calls, texts and emails while you are driving.

The company that produces Izup is Boston-based Illume Software. Here’s what its website has to say about the product:

iZUP harnesses the power of GPS, the pervasiveness of cellular networks, and the new emphasis on intelligent solutions to real-world problems. With each iZUP purchase, our company donates 5% of its net proceeds to support organizations that educate people on responsible mobile phone use while driving. Illume Software continues this effort by working with organizations, lawmakers, mobile carriers, and enterprises to ensure proper usage of mobile devices while driving.

Here’s more of what the website has to say:

Drive Undistracted with iZUP:

• Prevents outgoing text messages, emails and phone calls while driving

• Sends incoming calls to voicemail and holds text messages when the vehicle is in motion

• Prohibits web browsing and application use while driving

Why parents and employeers use iZUP:

• Tamper alert notification sent to account holder when a user (child/employee) attempts to disable iZUP

• Emergency 911 notification sent with a map to account holder showing location and time of the call

Unique features:

• Password-protected passenger override

• Three authorized phone numbers allowed (e.g. mom, employer, etc.)

• One authorized application allowed (e.g. navigation application)

• Emergency 911 quick dial always available

• Emergency application disable (iZUP unblocks all calls after 911 call)

What sets iZUP apart:

• Software solution (no hardware required)

• Enhanced GPS processing

• Optimized battery management

• Time-delayed for stop lights, stop signs and heavy traffic

Here is the company’s brochure; there is also an info@illumesoftware.com.

I am not a techno-guru and I don’t have a clue how iZup works, but any product that can reduce and/or manage mobile phone related distracted driving is worthy of a look. Illume: If you happen to see this, please comment on the post and further "illuminate" our readers on this product and how iZUP works. I sincerely appreciate your efforts to make all drivers a little bit safer.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.