Smartphones: Powerful tools or dangerous distractions?!

Sept. 2, 2014
We've all watched the commercials and seen the news, distracted driving is a serious problem today in the US. There are almost as many smartphone users as there are people, and that doesn't even include tablets. It's no wonder we are finding ourselves at the crossroads of value and danger. When does availability of power and convenience come with too much risk?

We've all watched the commercials and seen the news, distracted driving is a serious problem today in the U.S. There are almost as many smartphone users as there are people, and that doesn't even include tablets. It's no wonder we are finding ourselves at the crossroads of value and danger. When does availability of power and convenience come with too much risk?

At CLS we spend a lot of time working with fleets on technology selection, and a big trend is the support of mobile devices as a substitute to purpose-built or mounted devices. The reality is, it's  preference. Both come with advantages and disadvantages. The important thing is to ensure that you are protecting your employees and company by ensuring compliance with Distracted Driving laws.

I'll be the first to admit that I spend more time with my smartphones, (YEP I said it, multiple phones!) than I do with friends or family. Fact is, so do your drivers and office staff. The business opportunities are endless today and we need to think of it as a catalyst not a deterrent. So start researching your needs and figure out the best platform to support them.  Just make sure you are keeping your company and employees safe through solid safety policies, and setting appropriate usage expectations.

CLS works with some very smart fleets and the technology is out there to prevent device use while driving. It's not free, but it is very worth it! Again, do your research. 

The more pragmatic solutions we see in vehicles with fixed displays are still very attractive and offer more control to the fleet when it comes to managing usage, but it won't avoid the newest iPhone or Samsung device from being in your driver's pocket when he gets behind the wheel.

So, how are you managing devices in your fleet today?

About the Author

Christian Schenk 1 | President

Christian Schenk is president of CLS LLC, the premier technology consulting group for the transportation industry. With more than a decade of experience in telematics and fleet management, Schenk founded CLS LLC in 2013 to help transportation companies transition into the mobile era.

As an active member of many associations both in the wireless and transportation verticals, he has the benefit of interacting with some of the world’s most influential executives from worldwide technology leaders such as Google, Yahoo, Samsung, Motorola, LinkedIn, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.

Prior to launching CLS LLC, Christian spent several years working for transportation technology leader, XRS Corporation. Through a variety of positions with XRS, Christian managed product marketing, marketing, business development and business strategy teams, and also drove the design and launch of the innovative XRS mobile optimization platform for the company.

Schenk is known in the industry for his extensive knowledge and in-depth, hands-on experience in process management, business development and transportation logistics. He is an active member and advisor for Samsung Telecommunications, Motorola Solutions and CTIA—The Wireless Association. He is also a member of many trucking-related associations, including the American Trucking Association, the National Private Truck Council and the International Foodservice Distributors Association.

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