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Key2SafeDriving: New Device Jams Cell Phone Use While Driving

By Barbara Tubridy Lombardi

Key2SafeDriving

New Device Jams Cell Phone Use While Driving

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed an ignition key that prevents teenagers (or anyone else) from talking or texting on cell phones while driving.

Key2Safe Driving has been patented by the university and licensed to a private company who hopes to see it on the market soon.

The cost to protect your child's life?

$50 per key, plus a monthly service fee

PRICELESS

As mentioned yesterday on this blog, Driving While Intexticated, nearly 60% of teenagers admitted to texting while driving which accounts for 80% of motor vehicle accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key2Safe Driving works like this:

... A device encloses the car key and connects wirelessly to the users cell phone

... To turn on the engine, the driver slides the key out, sending a signal to the driver's cell phone placing it in 'driving mode' and displays a 'stop' sign on the phone screen

... While the key is engaged, the cell phone is unusable except for 911 calls and pre-approved numbers, usually the parents

... Incoming calls and texts are automatically answered with a message that says, I am driving now. I will call you later when I arrive at the destination safely.'

When the engine is turned off, the key is put back into the device which automatically signals the cell phone back into normal communication mode. The device can not be tricked because when the key is out, the signal to disengage the cell phone is on.

Adult drivers would benefit from this system as well. Even though calls and text messages are stopped, the device does allow for hands-fee cell phone use. Although experts agree that even this qualifies as distracted driving and is not all together safe. But our culture and society has become so accustomed to driving, walking, and talking that to stop all cell phone use while driving would be impossible.

Wally Curry, M.D. developed this device with Xuesong Zhou, an assistant professor of engineering after his concerns of 'the hospital calling [him] all the time on [his] cell phone when driving' and witnessing a teenage girl texting while driving. His own two daughters were approaching driving age and he was worried, stating, 'It struck me pretty hard that something should be done.'

I spoke with Mike Fahnert, President and CEO of Safe Driving Systems, who informed me that due to huge demand, the company who has begun taking orders for the device for July delivery. The Version I device retails at $49.99 plus $10 for the monthly service charge. This device includes the key, and mobile phone software. A Version II device is scheduled for delivery in September or October 2009. The system works on a single key device per vehicle. As new information becomes available, I will provide that information here.

Those involved with Key2SafeDriving hope to gain automobile and insurance industry support so that discounts on premiums will be an additional benefit to this product.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Barbara Tubridy Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on June 25, 2009 (boomark / email).