Preventing Distracted Driving and Understanding Non-Compete Agreements

When it comes to preventing distracted driving, cutting edge companies like SaverOne are wholly committed to developing innovative systems with the proven ability to effectively prevent this global epidemic. At SaverOne, efforts surround the research and development of their driver safety platform. While the automotive sector has made tremendous strides to deter distracted driving, there’s still more to be done. In fact, according to a recent study by AAA, 41% of all motor vehicle crashes involve texting or emailing. It is also documented that 83% of distracted driving motor vehicle crashes are caused by simple application use. Therefore, with such a high percentage of crashes being caused by such a trivial use, it is only appropriate that technology play a role in preventing this global epidemic.

SaverOne understands that we live in a time where applications are ubiquitous. We can’t go anywhere without someone using an application on their device. Not only do applications provide convenience, they fulfill a social need as well. Hence why being able to access applications while driving may not be denied by the user. Thus, creating an opportunity for the driver distraction epidemic to grow larger and potentially more dangerous.

SaverOne now provides an innovative way to stop distracted driving once and for all by simply installing the SaverOne device in vehicles. The SaverOne device uses a simple interface that detects when the driver is now in the vehicle. After the device has detected the driver, it will begin scanning the front seat of the vehicle for any and all handheld devices. Once any phone is detected, an alert will be sent to the driver, allowing them to place their device in a safe location. If upon receiving the alert, the driver does not comply, the SaverOne device will cease all further alerts and interference with the intention that the driver will be solely dedicated to the road.

While SaverOne is a great tool to reduce such an epidemic, it is also vital that technology companies implement effective policies which can be used to reduce liability for their business. In other words, the everchanging world of technology requires users to familiarize themselves with the legalities of using certain technology. One of the most common legal agreements used in the industry is known as a non-compete agreement.

Whereas SaverOne is able to prevent distracted driving, a non-compete agreement is designed to prevent clerical and potentially proprietary information from falling into the hands of competitors. Sometimes referred to as a solemn oath, the non-compete agreement essentially requires an employee to sign their rights away during their employment. What this means is that any information an employee learns while in the position cannot be shared with anyone outside the company. From a business perspective, this is important because it prevents the unauthorized dissemination of trade secrets to competitors which would in turn give them an advantage over the company.

However, just as SaverOne requires a simple mechanism to prevent distracted driving accidents, employers must also use simple mechanisms to prevent employees from violating their non-compete agreements. In situations where an employee is unaware that they signed a non-compete agreement, any violations will be deemed unintentional and will likely not lead to any legal action. Therefore, having a clear and professional way to disseminate and educate employees on the contents and implications of contractual agreements is necessary.

Further, even though the majority of non-compete agreements require an employee to comply with the agreement for a period of time after their employment has ended, the agreement will only be enforceable if it meets certain elements. In the state of Tennessee, the most basic elements required for enforcement is that the terms of the agreement are reasonable. That is to say, the terms of the agreement are not forfeiting the livelihood of the employee for the sake of the employer.

In addition, for enforcement of a non-compete agreement the agreement must not be so overbroad so as to forfeit the employees livelihood. Lastly, the non-compete agreement must have valid consideration. Essentially in a way similar to a contract, the non-compete agreement must provide the employee with something of value in exchange for signing. For instance, a promise to pay in exchange for entering into the agreement.

It is obvious that in the world of technology, nothing remains the same for long as new innovative technology continues to be developed. Indeed, guarding the efforts of these innovative minds while implementing a strong business strategy comes with challenges. The good news is that SaverOne understands all of these challenges and has embedded the challenges of reduced liability into their effective approach of using user agreements. Which if you currently have a policy of using legal agreements in the workplace, you probably already know that legally binding agreements are a great way to safeguard the business from customers and/or employees.