Mobile phones could become driving teachers

Mobile phones could change the way we drive and the way insurers rate premiums.

Research firm Accenture has developed technology to link telematics 'black boxes' to insurer computer systems and to apps on drivers' mobile phones.

The app could give real-time instruction to the driver, including a loud warning if the driver goes over the speed limit and warnings if the driver enters a common area for accidents. This could reduce the chances of a crash in the short term and improve a driver's overall ability in the long term.

The driver could also use the app to track their vehicle if it was stolen and call the emergency services after an accident.

Through an Accenture web portal the driver could also see records of their accelerating and braking speeds, judging the risk they could lose control of the car. By monitoring the amount of fuel a driver wastes through harsh stopping and starting, the portal could also help the driver save on fuel costs and benefit the environment through reduced exhaust emissions.

The three bars on page 16 of the Accenture research show the records as seen on the portal, giving drivers an easy way of understanding their driving behaviour. Click on the related link 'Accenture telematics'.

The app could also monitor the amount of time a driver spent on certain times of roads and show this to the driver. This could measure risk for the insurer, as drivers that spent a lot of time on motorways or nightime driving were statistically more likely to have a costly crash.

The Accenture technology could reward drivers for low-risk driving by cutting their motor premiums. Accenture research shows premiums dropping an average of 30%.