Driving Management Systems (DMS)

One of the many reasons that autonomous cars are a common topic of discussion among the automotive and transportation industry is that it is believed that these vehicles will save lives. Many of the accidents today are caused by driver distraction. Drivers are using their cell phones, iPods, or talking with passengers in the car and these things prevent drivers from providing their full attention to watching the road.

Marwan Hannon, Founder and CEO of Driving Management Systems (DMS) has developed a platform that addresses distracted driving. The NoComm system identifies, isolates and disables mobile devices in the driver seat. The driver is able to use their smart phone with Bluetooth or voice commands but they are unable to use any icons, take photos, or text. The NoComm system will allow an emergency call if needed and provides an “emergency” button that will dial 911 for the driver. Other passengers in the vehicle are able to fully use their devices.

A unique characteristic of this system is that it works independently of the driver. The driver does not have to turn anything on or off and no app is needed for it to work. There are similar technologies out there today but they are not independent of the driver. Unlike the NoComm System, these technologies require the driver to subscribe to the service and download the hardware. It does not prevent the driver from using a passenger’s phone.

The second aspect of DMS platform is a breathalyzer system called the Sober Test. When a person sits down in the driver seat, the Sober system will read the alcohol levels on their breath and will not allow them to drive if their BAC is above .08.

According the Marwan, the DMS platform is ideal for V2V communication. DMS was approached by a police chief in San Francisco who had heard about the NoComm System. He expressed that one of his main concerns is pedestrian safety. He asked if the NoComm system could be used at cross walks at some of the most dangerous intersections in the city. As pedestrians approach the crosswalk and begin to walk across the street, their mobile devices will disable and they are no longer a distraction. V2P and P2V communication would allow alerts to be sent to both the driver and the pedestrian to pay attention and ultimately reduce accidents and save lives. DMS is currently working on this project.

The NoComm System is not on the market yet, but DMS is looking to raise funds to shrink the size of the technology and make it available to the public. Hopefully it will be available within a year but the timeline is unknown.

The NoComm System could be installed at the OEM level in new cars or installed after the car has been purchased. If a parent purchases an older car and wants this technology to protect their teenage drivers, they will be able to take the car to the dealership where it was purchased and have it installed.

The goal at DMS is to save lives and prevent injuries. As a result of texting and distracted driving, thousands of deaths occur each year. DMS would like to diminish those deaths with the NoComm and Sober Systems.

For more information, visit: http://www.dms-inc.net/