Phone-Block Technology For School Bus Drivers

School buses in northern Israel have been fitted with phone-blocking technology, to prevent drivers from getting distracted by their mobile devices. 

The system, developed by SaverOne, based in Petach Tikva, central Israel, identifies the driver’s phone and disables non-essential apps while they’re moving.

The regional council of Emek Yizrael has installed the technology on all of its school buses. Last September, the system was installed on the school buses of the regional councils of Hermon, Mate Asher, and Yoav.

“School bus accidents are unfortunately not uncommon, and every year we hear of tragic accidents causing death and injury to students that could have been avoided had the driver not been distracted,” said Ori Gilboa, SaverOne’s CEO.

“Our system ensures that drivers, who are responsible for dozens of passengers, especially children, do not inadvertently become distracted by their mobile phones while they should be focusing on driving safely.

“This new win is very much in-line with our strategy, as we aim to focus on our goal of continuing to roll out the SaverOne system as a safety solution to additional regional councils and school districts in Israel, as well as broadening and expanding our coverage and protection solution to school buses throughout the United States, Europe and globally.”

The system specifically recognizes the driver area in the vehicle and prevents the driver from accessing distracting applications such as messaging, while allowing navigation and other apps that don’t need user intervention or consent.

Passengers can use their cell phones freely. If the phone in the driver’s area is not connected to the system, an alert sounds, reminding the driver to reconnect or place the phone outside the driver’s area.

While in safe mode, incoming messages are not displayed on the phone. The sender receives a pre-defined automatic message to say the driver can’t respond.