What’s New: In Brief (October 15, 2008)

Jean Marc Laurin has been appointed senior vice president of operations at Cunningham Lindsey Canada Claims Services Ltd.
Based in Montreal, Laurin will assist with Quebec operations, in addition to special projects elsewhere throughout the Canadian operation.
“Jean Marc has a wealth of operational knowledge and experience that will enrich our company in Quebec and across Canada,” Rob Seal, president and CEO of Cunningham Lindsey Canada Claims Services Ltd., said in a release. “We are excited to have him come aboard and be part of the growth of Cunningham Lindsey Canada.”
Laurin is bilingual and brings has more than 29 years of independent insurance adjusting experience.

A Vancouver company has created new technology designed to prevent drivers from being distracted by mobile communications while they drive.
The technology, DriveAssist, automatically detects when a mobile user is driving and will manage incoming and outgoing calls, text messages and Internet access.
The technology automatically lets callers know that the driver is on the road. If it detects movement, it provides the option of an automatic callback request, priority notification and more, according to the Aegis Mobility Web site.
The software does not allow for outbound calls or text message, and reroutes all calls except for 911.
Audio messages can be delivered from an accepted list of approved callers, such as a parent wishing to contact their child.