'YOU CAN'T TALK OR SMS - PERIOD'

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December 15, 2008

Two US inventors have invented a computerised car key that can block cellphone conversations and SMS-ing while driving.

Key2SafeDriving will add to the use of technology to prevent speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and other risky road behaviour.



CHECKING ON THE KIDS: The clever key keeps the focus off the cellphone and on car control

More tech stuff to reach a controlling hand into family cars

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The key, created by US technophiles Xuesong Zhou and Wallace Curry, sends a wireless signal to the driver's cellphone that blocks communication.

"If you're in driving mode, you can't talk or SMS - period," a character tells a friend trying in vain to send a text message while driving a car in a YouTube video demonstrating how the key works.

The key is being pitched as a way for parents to stop teenagers focusing their attention on their cellphone instead of car control.

FORD HAS 'MyKEY'

A growing number American states are enacting laws to prevent people using a cellphone while driving. Traffic statistics support arguments that they are as bad as alcohol when it comes to affecting a driver's judgment and reaction times.

Ford unveiled a "MyKey" device back in October that allows parents to control how fast their teenagers drive, limit the car's audio system volume and make sure seat belts are fastened.

It will be standard on upcoming Ford Focus and other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models in 2009.

GPS devices have for some time been able to monitor a car's position and anti-alcohol tech prevents engine ignition unless the driver passes an on-board breath test. - AFP