B.R. firm adapts cell-blocking technology for fleet vehicles

A Baton Rouge company that makes devices that block cell phones from operating inside moving vehicles has adapted its technology for use in commercial and governmental fleet vehicles. The move opens the door to put obdEdge’s Cell Control devices in school buses, 18-wheelers and other Class A vehicles. Cell Control stops drivers from sending or receiving phone calls, text messages or e-mails while their vehicle is in motion. The device also blocks the use of laptops or mobile data terminals while a vehicle is moving. Though the technology had been available for use in passenger vehicles, the adaptation opens up a multi-billion dollar market for the company. “We don’t know how much business this means for us,” says Leigh Gilly, a vice president with obdEdge. “We would like to see everybody use this.” There’s been a major public awareness campaign, led by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, to crack down on distracted driving. Gilly says he hopes this campaign leads to companies’ buying Cell Control equipment. “This is a chance to be proactive and use technology that exists to stop an action from happening,” he says. —Timothy Boone