There are many parents who would be delighted to give their teenagers a cellular phone that could not be used while driving. Now some companies say they have come up with a devise to make it available, but they appear to be relying on hopeful thinking.
One new technology to land on the shelves, is $10-a-month software by WQN Inc. based out of Dallas, it can disable a cellular phone while its owner is driving. It uses GPS technology, which can determine the speed a person is moving. But it cannot determine if the person is driving — and therefore it can unwantingly lock a phone. WQN, who offers mobile phones and Internet security software for sale under the name WebSafety, says it had about 50 customers sign up for service during there first month.
Aegis Mobility, a software organization based in Canada, plans to begin selling a similar Global Positioning System-based devise this autumn, known as DriveAssistT. Aegis is speaking to big U.S. wireless phone carriers, who they need to support the software and charge their clients a fee of around $10 to $20 monthly, said the company’s vice president, David Teater.
The DriveAssistT system will disable a cell phone at driving speeds and relay a message to callers or texters saying the mobile phone they are trying to get in touch with is currently driving. But because that individual could be a passenger in the car, this might not exactly solve the problem.
Other concepts or devices that do not involve GPS systems have flaws of their own. As a result, Parry Aftab, adviser to parents on technology and safety, suggests concerned parents should figure out another way to stop their teenagers from calling or texting while driving. Parents would be better off taking away a teenagers cell phone if they are not using it properly, she said. discount auto insurance may be possible in the future if a devise is made to stop cell phone use while driving.
Growing concerns around driving while talking or texting on a mobile phone in mounting, even if using Bluetooth technology, is very dangerous. The National Safety Council said just this month that cell phone use should be totally banned while driving. The stats show a higher risk of accidents and deaths one driving will using a phone and one of the best ways to get inexpensive auto insurance is to have a clean record.
Currently there are at least 18 states restricting cellular phone use — texting or talking— for some or all drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even with these laws in place it hardly prevents motorists especially young drivers from using their mobile phones while driving.
It’s critical for parents to ask themselves whether they want to prohibit their teenager’s activities in this way. Your kid might not be driving, but rather sitting on a train, bus or be a passenger in a friend’s car.
Smart kids will always find a way to get around technology, it’s human nature to try to beat the system. Instead, try to educate your children about the dangers of mixing phones with driving.
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