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By Harriette Halepis

Source acquired via Washington Examiner, May 5, 2010, Middletown, MD – after leaving the funeral of a local teenager who was killed while driving and texting, John and Joana Tsinonis decided to do something about teens who text while driving. Armed with a strong background in software development, John Tsinonis created a device called proTextor, which literally prevents phones from sending or receiving text messages while a vehicle is operating.

Texting & Driving

Parents can download the proTextor software to a teen’s phone, and the software will automatically send any incoming texts or calls to an automated messaging system. The messaging system will send out the message “I’m driving now, call me later” to anyone who attempts to text or call a teen’s phone while that teen is driving. Since a phone will not ring or flash when a call or text is attempted, drivers will not become distracted by a cell phone.

The proTextor device uses GPS tracking technology to determine when a vehicle is in motion. By using parental controls, parents can determine at what speed the software is activated. Right now, proTextor software is only compatible with Windows mobile phones, though the creators of this software are planning on getting “…funding to include it on every phone.” Of course, in order to do this,  a lot of “time and energy…” is needed.

In addition to saving the lives of distracted teens, the Tsinonis’ believe that the proTextor can save thousands of lives. By selling the software to public transportation departments across the world, the proTextor can prevent city drivers from talking and texting while driving. Numerous public transportation accidents have occurred across the globe due to public transportation drivers texting while driving.

Threatening drivers with a fine or loss of a license while using a cell phone while driving is one thing, but preventing a phone from receiving or sending texts and calls is quite another. Many drivers simply ignore laws prohibiting texting and talking while driving, though these laws are frequently ignored. Software that uses GPS technology to stop drivers from using a cell phone is entirely innovative. The proTextor is currently available through the proTextor website.