#Japan #Tokyo #Kanematsu #Safety App #KG monap

Kanematsu Unveils 'KG monap' for Enhanced Driving Safety

Kanematsu Corporation has launched a groundbreaking application called 'KG monap', aimed at promoting safer driving practices by automatically blocking smartphone operations while a vehicle is in motion. This innovative app is primarily directed at businesses that operate vehicles, such as transport and taxi services, to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.

The Need for KG monap

According to statistics from the National Police Agency, traffic accidents related to mobile phone use while driving have shown a worrying upward trend. In fact, the number of fatal and serious injuries due to such incidents is projected to double by 2024, rising from 66 recorded in 2020 to a staggering 136. The likelihood of fatal accidents is about four times higher when a driver is using their phone compared to when they are not, underscoring the urgent need for a solution that goes beyond individual driver awareness.

Recognizing this issue, many companies have been enhancing their training and awareness initiatives for drivers. However, awareness alone is often insufficient, as distracted driving heavily relies on personal responsibility and attention. Thus, a more systematic and effective solution was needed, leading to the development of KG monap.

Features of KG monap

KG monap works by automatically controlling smartphone usage without placing the onus on the driver. The application monitors vehicle usage through a management screen, allowing companies to track metrics such as the frequency of screen taps while locked, sudden braking, and ignition events. This enables a customized implementation aligned with each company's safety policies.

Furthermore, KG monap can analyze drivers' tendencies in their driving behavior, providing scoring and feedback that encourages a heightened sense of safety awareness among individual drivers.

Key Functions

When a driver starts their vehicle, KG monap detects the motion through GPS and accelerometer data, automatically limiting access to distracting applications like social media, video streaming, and browsers. During driving, streaming applications will automatically halt, disallowing any further interaction.

Some of the main functions of KG monap include:

• - Automatic detection of driving initiation, which restricts smartphone operations.
• - Muting incoming call sounds during driving, with only call history being recorded (users can set it to allow calls from designated contacts, such as emergency numbers).
• - Access to navigation apps that were started prior to driving, allowing drivers to use these services without interruption.

Future Plans

In the future, Kanematsu plans to collaborate with their group companies that provide digital tachographs and integrate KG monap with existing systems such as 'KG TruckCall', which manages truck dispatch and berth reservations. This will complement current safety initiatives within companies.

Additionally, as penalties for traffic violations involving bicycles will intensify from April 2026, the company aims to adapt KG monap for bicycle use and address smartphone use while walking, particularly in environments like factories and warehouses. Incidents related to walking while using smartphones can lead to serious accidents such as falls and contact with machinery, making the reduction of these behaviors vital for safety.

Kanematsu remains committed to promoting the adoption of KG monap, striving towards a society where everyone can live safely and with peace of mind.

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