In Phase International introduce Hands-Free Car Kits with RAC
In recognition of the practical necessities of everyday life, In Phase International in partnership with RAC is introducing a NEW range of Bluetooth accessories to help drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel whilst receiving* calls - if only to ask the caller to call them back when it is safe.
With more vehicles on our roads than ever before - currently totalling around 30 MILLION – and drivers increasingly distracted by a wide range of communication and music devices, we live in dangerous times.
Over 83% of the UK population use at least one mobile phone and, due to the rapid rise of the Blackberry and Smartphone, 22% are using two or more! Hunger for new information and up-to-date communications - emails, text messaging, images and video, not to mention Facebook and Twitter - forces consumers into initiating and responding instantaneously with friends and family. As motorists then, who should be concentrating exclusively on the road, we are faced with more and more dangerous distractions.
So how can we communicate SAFELY whilst driving?
Nottingham-based industry experts In Phase International have teamed-up with expert motoring brand RAC to develop a range of branded leading edge solutions which includes:
- Voice-port - Simple portable ear-piece devices for use when on the move or in the car
- Quick-fix - simple clip-on car visor mounted device- using the latest in solar power and text to voice conversion technology
- Pro-fix - installed devices with greater functionality- as well as some easy-fitting plug-and-play solutions powered from the cigar lighter.
All the items have been tested for quality and are backed by the RAC
Items range in price from only £19.99 to £299.99 for a fully installed, interactive and integrated version including DAB, Video and parking camera. All items in the range work with the vast majority of Bluetooth enabled phones.
Statistics tell us that many people are still using their phones whilst on the road and a sizeable and worrying minority use their mobile without a hands-free kit. These drivers are also likely to be younger and less experienced, adding to the risk of distraction. According to the RAC’s latest report on motoring, in the last 12 months:
- 27% of drivers used a mobile without a hands-free kit - though 15% say only while stationary at lights - even though both are illegal. But 37% of 17-24 and 38% of 25-44 year olds admit to doing this
- 27% of drivers texted while driving - 19% only while stationary. But 53% of 17-24 year olds have done this
- 8% have accessed their email, Facebook or other social networking sites or other apps on their phone - 24% of 17-24 and 12% of 25-44 year olds have done this. 20% of 17-24 and 12% of 25-44 year olds have accessed other apps
With criminal convictions for driving whilst using a handheld device at record levels, perhaps the most surprising statistic of all is that only 3% of mobile users are driving with a Bluetooth device, which would at least limit the distraction and danger.
*The RAC insists that motorists should only ever initiate calls when they are parked safely.
KEY FACTS:
- All kits work with the majority of Bluetooth enabled mobile phones including iPhone and Blackberry
- Most kits allow multi-point technology which allows users to ‘pair’ up to 4 handsets simultaneously- great for users with more than 1 handset- brilliant if you have friends and family in the car!
- Noise cancellation microphone for crystal clear communication
- Class D amplifiers for a clear and powerful sound with no eco
- iPhone and Blackberry compatible for music streaming.
- A2DP music streaming
RAC branded Bluetooth kits will be available on-line and also from Comet and Costco Warehouse stores from November 2011 and from other great retailers in early 2012.
Please direct all sales enquiries to In Phase International on 01159 758600
About RAC
With around seven million customers, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet drivers’ needs.
RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its customers and ranked first for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates' UK Roadside Assistance Study 2006 to 2009. RAC was also the top-named breakdown organisation in the July 2009, January 2010, July 2010 and July 2011 half-yearly UK Customer Satisfaction Index from the Institute of Customer Service.
RAC was awarded a Which? Best Buy for Breakdown Cover in August 2010, and RAC Insurance has also been awarded the Best Overall Vehicle Insurance Provider 2010/11 by themoneypages.com.
RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.rac.co.uk/press-centre/.
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