Those of us who can still remember being a teenager, or still are one, will likely admit that they didn't always follow every rule of the road. Unfortunately, studies have shown that teenagers are up to twice as likely to crash as adults, and modern technologies like cell phones are only increasing those risks. The rising trend of talking and texting on cell phones while driving, as well as studies showing those activities to be akin to driving drunk in terms of driver concentration, have parents worried, but there may be relief on the horizon. Engineers at the University of Utah have developed a device that jams cell phones and prevents them from making or receiving calls or text messages while the driving.
Called the "Key2SafeDriving," the Bluetooth device is fitted to the ignition key and wirelessly jams the driver's cell phone. The device is activated when the key is extended from the fob and it links with the driver's cell phone. So long as the key is extended from the fob, the linked cell phone will remain in "Driving Mode" and will be essentially inoperable, displaying a Stop Sign on the screen. Each driver will have their own fob linked to their personal cell phone, so the device will not affect passenger's phones. The device also sends a text message to a parent's phone alerting them when a teen tries to text while their phone is in driving mode. If someone calls a phone while it's in driving mode, they receive a text message telling them that the owner is driving and will call them back later. In the event of an emergency, the phone emits a distinct ringtone to alert the driver so they can pull over and take the call. Adult drivers using the system can set it to work with a Bluetooth headset so they can still make and receive calls, but not text. The inventors hope that the device will condition teens to leave their phones alone while driving so they never make a habit out of texting or calling while driving in the first place. The technology has already been licensed to a private company which is marketing it to cell phone manufacturers in hopes of creating a standardized system. The hope is to make the technology available through cell providers in the future. Combined with other technologies like Ford's MyKey, which can limit the vehicle's top speed and radio volume, parents will be able to breathe a little easier while their teens are behind the wheel.
Called the "Key2SafeDriving," the Bluetooth device is fitted to the ignition key and wirelessly jams the driver's cell phone. The device is activated when the key is extended from the fob and it links with the driver's cell phone. So long as the key is extended from the fob, the linked cell phone will remain in "Driving Mode" and will be essentially inoperable, displaying a Stop Sign on the screen. Each driver will have their own fob linked to their personal cell phone, so the device will not affect passenger's phones. The device also sends a text message to a parent's phone alerting them when a teen tries to text while their phone is in driving mode. If someone calls a phone while it's in driving mode, they receive a text message telling them that the owner is driving and will call them back later. In the event of an emergency, the phone emits a distinct ringtone to alert the driver so they can pull over and take the call. Adult drivers using the system can set it to work with a Bluetooth headset so they can still make and receive calls, but not text. The inventors hope that the device will condition teens to leave their phones alone while driving so they never make a habit out of texting or calling while driving in the first place. The technology has already been licensed to a private company which is marketing it to cell phone manufacturers in hopes of creating a standardized system. The hope is to make the technology available through cell providers in the future. Combined with other technologies like Ford's MyKey, which can limit the vehicle's top speed and radio volume, parents will be able to breathe a little easier while their teens are behind the wheel.
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