Car Key Device Jams Teens' Cell Phones
MONDAY, Jan. 5 (HealthDay News) -- A car key that prevents teens from talking on cell phones or text messaging while driving has been developed by University of Utah researchers.
The Key2SafeDriving system includes a device that encloses a car key. The device connects wirelessly with the user's cell phone via either Bluetooth or RFID (radio-frequency identification) technologies. To turn on the engine, the user must slide the key out of the device or push a button to release it. The device then sends a signal to the driver's cell phone, placing it in "driving mode" and displaying a "stop" sign on the phone's display screen.
When in driving mode, the cell phone can't be used to talk or send text messages. It can call 911 or dial numbers pre-approved by parents, such as their cell phone numbers. Incoming calls and texts to the driver's cell phone are automatically answered with the message, "I am driving now. I will call you later when I arrive at the destination safely."
When the car engine is turned off, the driver slides the key back into the device, which sends a "car stopped" signal to the cell phone, which returns to its normal communication mode.
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