AutoExec Inc. and the Laptop Screen Disabler™

Eliminates Distracted Driving Associated With In-Vehicle Laptop Computers

In today’s economy, organizations are under intense pressure to profitably grow their businesses, increase productivity, and to elevate the performance of their mobile workforce. According to the Yankee Group (an independent technology research and consulting firm), more than 50 million US workers are considered mobile. To support this massive and still growing mobile workforce, enterprises and government agencies must deploy solutions that provide access to back-end resources beyond e-mail. The use of in-vehicle laptop computers has provided companies and agencies with powerful remote access solutions.

However, the growth of in-vehicle laptops presents a tremendous public safety hazard, as well as a daunting task for safety and fleet executives…..distracted driving! According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, almost 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes happen within three seconds of some form of driver distraction. This resulted in over 2 million injuries last year with over $180 million in damages. With drivers making more than 200 decisions during every mile traveled, it is in the best interest of employers to significantly reduce distractions by investing in mobile solutions.

At AutoExec Inc., we offer The Laptop Screen Disabler™ to eliminate viewing of the laptop screen while the vehicle is in motion. Coupled with our vehicle laptop desk mounts and organizers, we believe our solutions enable your mobile workforce to deliver benefits in the following categories:

Increased revenues - Knowing the LSD program prevents computers from being accessed while the vehicle is in motion, companies can confidently equip their mobile workforce with laptops. This will enable staff to leverage real-time information making better informed decisions and processing orders more rapidly.
Decrease costs - Providing Laptop accessibility will reduce workflow volumes by automating inefficient paper-based business processes, as well as reduce accident related costs from personal injury, vehicle repair and property damage.
Improved services - Having access to critical real-time network resources allows employees to provide their customers with rapid response time delivering world-class customer service.

How it Works

1. Install the software onto desired Laptops
2. Secure dongle sensor onto vehicle floor
3. Place laptop in vehicle (mounted on stable work surface)
4. Plug dongle (accelerometer) into the laptop’s USB port

That’s it! When the vehicle begins to move, the accelerometer senses the motion and the software automatically blanks-out the screen on the laptop. Because the LSD program does not interfere with or disable any programs, when your vehicle stops (for a predetermined amount of time), the laptop screen starts back up allowing you to continue working where you left off. Employees cannot change any configuration settings and removing the dongle will prevent the laptop from working at all.

Extra Security Measures

FBI statistics estimate over 1.5 million laptops are stolen every year with less than 2% ever being recovered. Often, the data and security information on the laptop is more valuable than the laptop. Utilizing the Laptop Screen Disabler program, it is recommended employees always remove the USB Dongle when leaving the laptop in their vehicle. That way, if the laptop is ever stolen and the USB Dongle has been removed, the thief will not be able to operate the laptop or visibly access any files.

Success Story

In 2006, the first Laptop Screen Disabler and AutoExec desk units were installed into the vehicles of a major utilities locating company. Leading up to the installation, this company was experiencing a 25% accident rate with an average cost of $2,800 per accident. In just the first year of use, they enjoyed a 37% drop in vehicle accidents. The payback on their investment was approximately six months.

Benefits and Features

State Laws Restrictions – Many states have laws restricting the driver’s use of an electronic device to send and receive electronic information. California and Illinois state laws now require any laptop in the front seat viewable by the driver to be powered off or have a "Screen Disabling" application installed. The Laptop Screen Disabler™ allows companies to be in compliance with State Distracted Driving laws.

Safe Driving = Fewer Accidents – Having a company issued laptop accessible to their drivers is an increasing method companies are using to improve their mobile workforce efficiencies. Unfortunately there already have been fatalities and serious injuries which resulted from the driver trying to operate a computer. By installing the Laptop Screen Disabling program, companies will reduce the likelihood of a driver being distracted by trying to operate a motor vehicle and laptop computer at the same time.

Financial Savings – Fewer accidents lead to lower insurance premiums, but that could be minor compared to potential savings from lawsuits. The ability to prove a potential accident was not a result of driver negligence by being distracted with an onboard computer could prevent significant financial loss. A single liability accident could put your company at risk of a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

Get Started Today

By implementing a “Mobile Distracted Driving Solution” you can not only ensure employees comply with your company’s driving policy but you will also be ensuring your fleet vehicles comply with Distracted Driving laws.

Contact us today and let us show you how we can make a difference.

System Requirements

Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7
One available USB type 1 or 2 Interface
Pentium 4 or higher
One Administrator and at least one limited user account
Microsoft Server Management package for remote installation and upgrades