According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), statistics show commercial drivers are three times more likely to have an accident or “safety-critical event” when reaching for a cell phone—and six times more likely if they’re dialing.
To reduce distracted driving and enhance safety, hands-free calling is now the name of the game in the trucking industry. To help encourage hands-free calling, there are now stiff fines for drivers of up to $2,750 in the United States and smaller, yet significant fines in Canada, for using a hand-held cell phone while driving. Fleets may face a penalty of up to $11,000 if they fail to require drivers to comply with the new US cell phone regulations.
This is where the Kenworth NavPlus system can help.
“Kenworth NavPlus fully complies with US federal and Canadian provincial regulations by offering hands-free cell phone calls via Bluetooth connections and voice commands,” said Michelle Harry, Kenworth special projects marketing manager.
NavPlus is Kenworth’s multi-function communication system. The system offers hands-free phone capability, true-truck navigation, iPod and MP3 integration, diagnostics, gauges, and camera inputs. NavPlus is standard equipment on Kenworth Class 8 trucks ordered with the premium interior package, and is available as an option on all Kenworth trucks.
Calling capabilities of NavPlus and integration with Bluetooth phones are similar to those in luxury automobiles.
“We set up NavPlus so it’s easy to import contacts automatically from your cell phone,” said Harry. “Once imported, a driver merely uses voice commands to make calls. The system also logs phone calls for easy reference and callbacks, and the built-in microphone and speaker are clear and distortion-free.”
Since many trucks are used in slip seat operations, or with driver teams, NavPlus can remember and work with up to 10 Bluetooth devices.
To learn more about the NavPlus system and see a virtual demonstration, go to www.kenworth.com/navPlus.asp and click the display panel.
