Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Transport has conducted a pilot using technology from Israeli company SaverOne to stop bus drivers from using mobile phones while driving.

The system scans all phones in the vehicle, detects which ones are in the driver’s area and connects to them. It then prevents the use of distracting apps such as messaging while the vehicle is in motion.

The demonstration with the MoT’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) took place in in recent months, following the installation of the SaverOne protection system on a limited number of ITC buses in Abu Dhabi and included a number of senior ITC personnel who reviewed the operation and workings of the system.

According to the IMC’s pilot summary, the demonstration showcased the effectiveness of the SaverOne system in improving road safety by preventing distracted driving due to mobile phone use on public transportation buses, while also not interfering with any other system on the buses.

The immediate potential for the installation of the SaverOne system is the entire fleet of 900 Abu Dhabi’s public transport buses. There is further potential given the thousands of school buses operated daily throughout the country, and ultimately SaverOne aims to provide the system throughout the UAE.

According to a report by the Abu Dhabi Police in 2020, the use of mobile phones while driving was a major cause of car accidents in the country and the contributing factor in over 27% of all car accidents. The government has implemented strict laws to combat phone use while driving via fines, imprisonment and driver licence confiscation. Furthermore, there is an intention to advance regulation in the country to require public transport to install safety systems to prevent and combat distracted driving.

SaverOne’s partner and distributor in the UAE is EzDevSoft Technologies.

“The successful conclusion of the pilot marks a significant milestone in enhancing safety measures across Abu Dhabi’s public transportation network,” said Khalaf Al-Falasi, CEO of EzDevSoft. “We are proud to be a key part of this initiative and SaverOne’s partner in the United Arab Emirates, which will make a significant contribution to road safety throughout this region. SaverOne’s system is an innovative solution to a growing problem, and we look forward to working to ensure its successful and broad deployment.”

Ori Gilboa, CEO of SaverOne, added: “The successful demonstration of the SaverOne system on some of Abu Dhabi’s public buses is a very significant milestone for us in terms of our global expansion. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre and applaud their efforts in leveraging our unique and advanced technologies to improve road safety, which will ultimately save lives in the country. The public transportation sector is a key vertical we are focused on at SaverOne, with potential to protect millions of vehicles worldwide, representing significant long-term potential for growth for SaverOne.”

SaverOne’s technology specifically recognises the driver area in the vehicle and prevents the driver from accessing distracting applications such as messaging, while allowing others such as navigation, without user intervention or consent, creating a safer driving environment.

Primary target markets include commercial and private vehicle fleets that are interested in reducing potential damages and cost, vehicle manufacturers that are interested in integrating safety to their vehicles, and insurance and leasing companies. SaverOne initially addresses car fleets with a focus on the Israeli, European and US markets.