Bluetooth Tech to Keep Drivers Off Phones

Techtree News Staff, Dec 15, 2008 1837 hrs IST

New device prevents users from texting or calling while at the wheel

Folks over at the University of Utah have patented a new Bluetooth device that can turn off mobile phones while you're at the wheel.

The rather unimaginably named "Key2SafeDriving" system is all set to hit production and would be on sale six months from now in the US.

The system, once installed, initiates a wireless signal to the connected mobile phone and blocks the device, and essentially prevents users from texting or calling while the user is at the wheel.

According to researchers, about 6 percent of travelers on the road are talking on a mobile cell phone while driving. In addition, 10 percent of teenagers who are driving are talking or texting on mobile phones. This combined with other studies regarding the fourfold increase in chance of a mishap to occur in case the driver uses a cellphone while driving is the factor that has prompted the researchers to create a device of this nature.

The creators' plan is to sell the Key2SafeDriving system through service providers. Key2SafeDriving is expected to cost $50 plus a monthly service fee that has not been fixed yet.

For more details on how this actually works, head to the K2SD website .

Related Links:

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Sony DR-BT22 Wireless Bluetooth Headset

USER COMMENTS

hi how are you

by bryan, davao, on Dec 20, 2008 07:59 PM, Report abuse Reply

1st bluetooth was created for wireless hads free communication, file transfers or hell you can even sync Mp3 players to car sterios and PCs to printers.......but now you want to turn your phone off while driving... think...you have this key...the roads arent in the best shape, and you are in an area that is known for good reception.....no one is around...you see where im going with this? if that key isnt cheaper than a bluetooth headset...well folks im buying the headset...it goes to show that some form of over protective stupidity runs rampant, even in our schools of higher education. for the record i use my bluetooth jawbone headset when i drive.

by Mike, Weimar texas, on Dec 15, 2008 09:41 PM, Report abuse Reply

Why would anyone pay for this? Terrible idea. If I want to talk on my phone or text while I'm driving, I will and you can't stop me. How does that make you feel?

by aaaaaaaa, aaaaadds, on Dec 15, 2008 09:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

Try that in Chicago, you will get slapped with a hefty fine. Talking/Texting while driving IMPAIRS your driving, and you seem to be only running on a few cylinders to begin with. So please when your driving, just drive, worry about your friends later.

by anonymous, Chicago, on Dec 15, 2008 09:32 PM, Report abuse

It's illegal in the U.S. to interfere with telecommunications. This thing is the same as the cell phone blockers that people try to install in restaurants or theaters, just on a smaller scale.

by Jane Chingo, Etsville, AL, on Dec 15, 2008 08:27 PM, Report abuse Reply

And then they crash their cars, and cannot call for help until they manage to throw the key out of the window of the wreck?

by Reasonxk, Albany, on Dec 15, 2008 07:28 PM, Report abuse Reply

or are being followed by someone and cannot call the cops or someone that can help them

by captainobvious, Chesapeake, on Dec 15, 2008 08:12 PM, Report abuse

I just don't see people buying it. Parents might buy it for kids, but why spend $50 when you can just turn your phone off yourself?

by Matt B., Boston, on Dec 15, 2008 07:59 PM, Report abuse Reply