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Technology

Sentinel

Functions:

Sentinel alerts parents of a young driver’s when a cell phone is being used while the teen is driving. Plus parent(s) are alerted if there is speeding, driving in a hazardous manner, driving outside a parent-approved radius or driving past a set curfew. Sentinel also reports a driver to the parent(s) if the driver ignores one of the device’s audio alerts.

Sentinel has a tracking function so that parents can monitor cell phone activity episodes and track progress by the young driver. If a parent needs to get in touch with the driver, Sentinel will prompt the driver to safely pull over and turn on his or her phone.

Type of Technology:

Vehicle-based driver monitoring device.

Target Audience:

Young drivers and their parents

Manufacturer and Country of Origin:

VRM Telematics, LLC MS (USA)

Availability:

Can be ordered from manufacturer.

Means of Activation:

The device is plugged into a vehicle’s diagnostic computer port which is situated under the dashboard. Similar to a seat belt chime, Sentinel reminds teen drivers to either turn off their phones or set them in airplane mode. Since it is vehicle-based, Sentinel discourages the driver from being distracted by any phone that is being used in the car.

Restrictions:

Sentinel does not restrict cell phone use. Instead, it is intended to remind the driver to turn off the phone or put it in airplane mode and it alerts parents if the driver is using the phone while driving. Parents have the option of programming Sentinel to not activate the audio alert if a passenger is using his/her phone in the vehicle.

Disengagement:

If Sentinel is disconnected, an alert is sent to the parent(s).

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