Distracted driving is blamed for 25 percent of vehicle crashes. A startup company, Smack Innovations, offers a way it says will allow you to drive safely while taking advantage of mobile phone connectivity.
RITW SafeConnect clamps onto a steering wheel and works through voice commands and a few buttons to access the user’s phone and installed apps, keeping the driver connected without being distracted. RITW is short for Re-Inventing The Wheel.
This automotive aftermarket product is designed to allow users to check their Facebook, answer and make phone calls, dictate and hear text messages, email, review sports scores and local weather, play music, or find the location of nearby restaurants or inexpensive gas stations without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.
In a news release, Gregor Hanuschak, founder of Smack Innovations and former lead for commercial space partnerships at NASA, said, “Truthfully, even though we know the risk, we all want to be connected to our phone while driving and are tempted to use it. My purpose in developing RITW SafeConnect was to safely merge the real world use of a smart phone with driving in an affordable product that looks good and is easy to install.
“This product does not rely on a screen that takes your eyes off the road. It is by far, less distracting than expensive add-on or OE installed connectivity devices, easier to use, and seeks to work with every app on your phone.”
RITW SafeConnect retails for under $100, is compatible with Android, and does not require a monthly subscription fee. Simply clamp SafeConnect to the steering wheel and connect to your phone for immediate connectivity.
A deluxe model is available that offers additional features designed to combat driver fatigue or road hypnosis that can occur from driving for extended periods of time. This video shows the deluxe model in action.
For more information about Smack Innovations and RITW SafeConnect, go to www.smackinnovations.com, or follow the latest announcements on Facebook or Twitter.
