Blank-IT News

Nov 2011:
Laptop Use in Police Vehicles
Typically, Distracted Driving campaigns target young drivers and the problems of texting and cellphone use. At Blank-IT, our focus is on the dangers of laptop & computer use by drivers, usage that presents ALL of the factors that contribute most to driver distraction (visual, cognitive and physical). We have posted an article about recent research about the cost of laptop distraction in Police vehicles. Read the article on the "Safety in Motion" blog - Costs of Laptop Use in Vehicles.

Sep 2011:
"Distracted Operating" Regulations
Whilst the focus of most public awareness campaigns and legislation has revolved around the issue of Distracted Driving, it seems that the Dept. of Transportation is going to widen the net to address the problem of "Distracted Operating". We recommend you read this important article on our Blog now - Distracted Operating - Trains, Planes and Boats.

Aug 2011:
Blank-IT version 3.2.2 released.
This is a major enhancement release adding extra functionality and flexibility.See Blank-IT Change Log for full details.

May 2011:
Lawsuit highlights Employer Liability danger
A recent survey has revealed some interesting figures about business attitudes towards distracted driving and employer liability. The results showed that, of those companies that had developed a distracted driving policy, only half actually enforced that policy in any way, and only 2% of those used technology solutions to assist in this. We recommend you read this important article on our Blog now - Employer Liability and Distracted Driving Policies.

May 2011:
Blank-IT and the NRMA
We are pleased to announce that NRMA Motoring & Services in New South Wales have purchased 400 Blank-IT units for use in their fleet of service vehicles. See more on the Safety in Motion Blog. To find out how a Blank-IT System could assist you with your in-vehicle computing needs, contact Blank-IT today on 08 9486 7122 (if calling from outside Australia: +61 8 9486 7122).

May 2011:
City of Perth purchase Blank-IT
Following an evaluation exercise, the City of Perth has purchased the Blank-IT system to be installed in their Ranger's fleet of Toyota Hilux vehicles. To find out how a Blank-IT System could assist you with your in-vehicle computing needs, contact Blank-IT today on 08 9486 7122 (if calling from outside Australia: +61 8 9486 7122).

May 2011:
Lawsuit highlights Employer Liability danger
A lawsuit in the United States highlights the potential legal exposure for employers who could be held liable for incidents involving workers who operate laptops and computers in company vehicles. We urge you to read this important article on our Blog now - Lawsuit and Employer Liability.

May 2011:
New Blank-IT Resellers
Advanced Mobile and Tempus - see the Resellers page to find out more.

Mar 2011:
Don't Rely on GPS
GPS has become a standard feature in many vehicles and mobile devices - and its use has become second nature to many people. So much so, that we can follow GPS instructions even when common-sense tells us that it's wrong - there are many instances of people who have driven onto railway lines or over non-existent bridges because they were following GPS instructions without noting their surroundings. More importantly, many scientists are also warning about over-reliance on GPS, and highlighting that the technology is not infallible - read more on our Blog - Dangers of GPS Reliance.

Mar 2011:
Cars Becoming the 4th Screen?
A report in the IEEE Spectrum trade magazine adds weight to predictions that cars are set to become the consumer electronics industry's so-called "fourth screen". We provide an analysis and address some safety/liability concerns here and on the Blank-IT blog - Are Cars Becoming the "4th Screen"?.

Mar 2011:
New Distracted Driving Resource added
The National Safety Council (NSC) have produced a detailed and informative whitepaper on Distracted Driving. We think you will find it an interesting read, so we've added a link to it on our Distracted Driving Links page.

Jan 2011:
Legislate or Educate - Are Cell Phone Bans the Answer?
Many jurisdictions in the United States and across the world have introduced legislation relating to the use of mobile phones when driving. The exact nature of the legislation varies significantly between different jurisdictions, in terms of the offence and the associated penalties. Many people argue that education is a better answer to the problem of distracted driving than what they see as 'knee-jerk' laws. We provide a brief analysis on the Blank-IT blog at - Are Cell Phone Bans the Answer?.

Jan 2011:
The Human Cost of Distracted Driving
We often see statistics about the dangers of distracted driving. So much so that we can become complacent about the figures, or regard them in a purely 'academic' way. It is easy to lose sight of the meaning of these figures. The sheer numbers of incidents involved can make it difficult to appreciate the consequences on 'real people'. We have posted a video that should change that on the - Blank-IT Blog.

Dec 2010:
City of Perth Commences Blank-IT trial
With our strategic vehicle mounting partner, Tempus Mounting Systems, Blank-IT has been selected by the City of Perth for evaluation for a future roll out to their fleet of Rangers, who operate the Toyota Hilux. To find out how a Blank-IT System could assist you with your in-vehicle computing needs, contact Blank-IT today on 08 9486 7122 (if calling from outside Australia: +61 8 9486 7122).

Oct 2010:
Distracted Driving is more than just Cell Phone use
The causes of Distracted Driving extend way beyond the use of cell phones whilst driving. Our latest blog post discusses how in-car or in-cab computers and display devices can cause driver distraction and notes some of the legislation specifically aimed at computer use in vehicles, Occupational Health & Safety implications and how Blank-IT addresses these issues - see the full post on the Blank-IT Blog.

Oct 2010:
U.S. Dept of Labor targets Distracted Driving
The Department of Labor (DoL) and Occupational Health Safety Administration (OHSA) has announced that it will specifically target the problem of Distracted Driving, in conjunction with the Department of Transport. Fleet vehicles MUST comply with driver distraction legislation and companies MUST provide a safe working environment for their employees - see the full post on the Blank-IT Blog.

Sep 2010:
The Hands Free Company
Expedio are pleased to announce that The Hands Free Company is now an official Blank-IT reseller partner in the U.K. - see the Resellers page to find out more.

Sep 2010:
U.S. based Sales Manager position.
Due to growing interest in the Blank-IT distracted driving solution, we are considering the appointment of a dedicated United States Sales Manager. Contact us to find out more or to register an interest.

Sep 2010:
Blank-IT version 3.1.1 released.
This is a minor enhancement release adding extra functionality and flexibility.See Blank-IT Change Log for full details.

July 2010:
'Blank-IT' Safety Solution Goes International:
Perth-based Technology Company, Expedio, is taking vehicle safety to a whole new level with the recent release of its third generation 'Blank-IT' motion-sensing device, which is gaining worldwide attention as an efficient and economical way to significantly reduce driver distraction. See Press Release for full details.

May 2010:
Expedio are pleased to announce a major new release of Blank-IT. The new release uses our unique Motion Sensor technology to give the product clear advantages over any competing products.

See Blank-IT version 3 for full details.

May 2010:
Major U.S. company chooses Blank-IT to improve vehicle and operator safety. See full story for details.

Feb 2010:
Maine Distracted Driver legislation not specific to cell-phone use - see this article for more info.

Jan 2010:
US Transportation secretary announces Federal ban on texting for commercial drivers - see US Gov't press release for more info. It is probable that such legislation will be extended to cover more in-vehicle technology.

Nov 2009:
Expedio sign up TLCiTS as a Queensland Reseller - see Resellers page to find out more.