University of Utah researchers have invented technology that could come to be embraced by teenagers with the same enthusiasm they have for curfews and ID checks. And like those things, it could save their lives.
Key2SafeDriving technology uses RFID or Bluetooth wireless capabilities to issue signals from car keys to cell phones to prevent drivers from talking on their phones or texting while driving. Some research shows that as many as 1 in 10 teen drivers are talking on cell phones or texting while driving at any time, and the possible consequences of such ill-advised multitasking have grabbed many a headline in recent years.
A company called Accendo LC of Kaysville, Utah has licensed the technology and is working to build it into commercial devices that could be on the market next year. The company is sorting out how to bring the technology to market, but one possibility is that it would be made available through cell phone service companies and could also be tied in with insurance companies, which might offer discounts for users.
Xuesong Zhou, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, sums up the purpose of the technology like this: “The key to safe driving is to avoid distraction.” He invented Key2SafeDriving with Wally Curry, a University of Utah graduate now practicing medicine in Kansas.
The system involves a device that envelops a car key and that signals the cell phone to prevent calls and texting when the key is removed from it. The cell phone would automatically steer callers into a voice mail system alerting them that the intended call recipient is driving and will return the call later (the system does enable 911 calling).
In theory, the technology could be used by adults, but the reality is they are more likely to have their kids use it. Though if insurance discounts are part of the mix, adults could be swayed to use it too.
Here’s a link to a video of how the technology works: http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=120808-1
The issues of using cell phones while driving has become something of a focus at the University of Utah. Earlier this year it released findings that showed cell phone wielding drivers actually tend to drive more slowly and can create traffic jams.
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I don't agree with this.
I don't agree with this. What if there's an emergency and someone needs to contact the person who's driving? It could very easily happen. I can see plenty of problems that could arise through the use of this sort of device...
Good grief - the cell phone
Good grief - the cell phone is a luxury even if you don't think so. How many serious "emergencies" can be avoided with this concept verses how many "real" emergencies will be missed?!
"hey, you forgot the pizza" is NOT an emergency!
People CAN go 15 minutes without talking to someone on the phone and they CAN turn around and go back if it's something truely important. The average trip for a teenager is probably less than 10 minutes to school or work.
To above Anon: did you read
To above Anon:
did you read the article?
"(the system does enable 911 calling)" -direct quote from the above article.
Great Tech
Now all the need is a bigger version of this for theaters and restaurants
This works by having the key
This works by having the key send a signal to disable the phone. This is easily disabled by getting a copy of the key made.
Seriously, no technological solution is unbreakable while still retaining capability.
Oh, and this WILL NOT work in restaurants and theaters because the phone has to have the ability to disable itself by a remote signal.
It also can be defeated by
It also can be defeated by putting your sim into another phone that does not have the turn off feature.......
It might also be a problem if the phone does not support the network the teen uses. Around here, Metro PCS is very popular because of unlimited use and no contract. However, it is CMDA and wont work if the phone is GSM...
Oops, I dropped it somewhere
According to the article, the device emits a signal when the key is removed from it. If I was a teen, I would drop it when leaving the car in a parking lot (accidentally of course). Unless parents are vigilantly monitoring their children, this technology won't be effective.
Perhaps a better approach would be to make using the phone in the car safer. Hands free system integrated with the car stereo. Voice activated answer and calling. The ability to read out an SMS message and give the user the option to call back the number (all voice activated of course).
Why is almost always the case that security and safety involve taking features and functionality away from the user? Why not add features that preserve existing functionality, make use more convent, and enhance safety?
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