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Government trying to block cell phones in cars
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40418794/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/
11/29/10
Department of Transportation considers adding technology to disable phones
Not content with laws banning talking or texting while driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering adding technology to automobiles that would disable cell phones. The move is a response to the growing number of deaths and injuries related to distracted driving.
"I think the technology is there," said Raymond LaHood, the Secretary of Transportation. "And I think you're going to see the technology become adaptable in automobiles to disable these cell phones."
In addition to his comments on disabled cell phones, LaHood also announced a new video campaign, "Faces of Distracted Driving." The series of online videos tells the stories of several victims of distracted driving. The DoT plans to add a new video every few weeks.
During his talk last week LaHood said that nearly 5,500 people died from distracted driving last year, and that about half a million were injured. That's a low estimate, according to Paul Atchley, a scientist at the University of Kansas who studies distracted driving.
LaHood's figures only account for known deaths or injuries — suspected deaths or injuries aren't included. The real numbers, said Atchley, are likely far higher, and will only get higher.
While there is no federal law against using a cell phone while driving a vehicle, dozens of states prohibit texting while driving in an effort to reduce the number of deaths or injuries. Several other states forbid drivers from using hand-held cell phones.
According to LaHood, laws aren't enough. Instead he plans to fight technology with technology. Hardware, such as cell phone jammers, are illegal, and the FCC isn't likely to approve any kind of jamming equipment. That leaves software from companies like Zoomsafter, tXtBlocker and iZup.
While the specifics differ, the general idea is the same. When a cell phone or a vehicle exceeds a certain speed, determined by the car and transmitted via Bluetooth or by the speed of the cell phone itself as measured by cell phone towers, the phone is automatically disabled.
That won't work, said Atchley. Most of these services are voluntary. It is not difficult for users to either not activate them, or to work around them.
The real answer to the problem is a change in people's attitudes. The research on drunk driving and distracted driving is quite similar, but the reactions of people to both are far different.
"When we ask young drivers about drunk driving, they say that judges should throw the book at drunk drivers, but not the person texting while driving," said Atchley.
"The bottom line is that people want to use these devices," said Atchley. "And things are going to get worse before they get better."
11/29/10
Department of Transportation considers adding technology to disable phones
Not content with laws banning talking or texting while driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering adding technology to automobiles that would disable cell phones. The move is a response to the growing number of deaths and injuries related to distracted driving.
"I think the technology is there," said Raymond LaHood, the Secretary of Transportation. "And I think you're going to see the technology become adaptable in automobiles to disable these cell phones."
In addition to his comments on disabled cell phones, LaHood also announced a new video campaign, "Faces of Distracted Driving." The series of online videos tells the stories of several victims of distracted driving. The DoT plans to add a new video every few weeks.
During his talk last week LaHood said that nearly 5,500 people died from distracted driving last year, and that about half a million were injured. That's a low estimate, according to Paul Atchley, a scientist at the University of Kansas who studies distracted driving.
LaHood's figures only account for known deaths or injuries — suspected deaths or injuries aren't included. The real numbers, said Atchley, are likely far higher, and will only get higher.
While there is no federal law against using a cell phone while driving a vehicle, dozens of states prohibit texting while driving in an effort to reduce the number of deaths or injuries. Several other states forbid drivers from using hand-held cell phones.
According to LaHood, laws aren't enough. Instead he plans to fight technology with technology. Hardware, such as cell phone jammers, are illegal, and the FCC isn't likely to approve any kind of jamming equipment. That leaves software from companies like Zoomsafter, tXtBlocker and iZup.
While the specifics differ, the general idea is the same. When a cell phone or a vehicle exceeds a certain speed, determined by the car and transmitted via Bluetooth or by the speed of the cell phone itself as measured by cell phone towers, the phone is automatically disabled.
That won't work, said Atchley. Most of these services are voluntary. It is not difficult for users to either not activate them, or to work around them.
The real answer to the problem is a change in people's attitudes. The research on drunk driving and distracted driving is quite similar, but the reactions of people to both are far different.
"When we ask young drivers about drunk driving, they say that judges should throw the book at drunk drivers, but not the person texting while driving," said Atchley.
"The bottom line is that people want to use these devices," said Atchley. "And things are going to get worse before they get better."
I have an hours commute, one way-every day of the week. I have seen some incredibly stupid things such as reading, pets in laps, putting on make-up while driving with their knee, looking for something in the back seat while driving..... all of them can end up in accidents and potentially end lives. They're all distractions, as is texting and talking on a cell phone.
Cellphone have become a necessary evil. I live in a very rural community and am often commuting at the wee hours of the morning...like 1a.m.-2a.m. There is 43 miles between towns, and we are in the mountains. It snows, the roads are icy.... there are places where there is no cell phone reception, but if its -35 below zero and I slide off the road, I am going to want to be able to call for help. Same goes for anyone else who slides off. I want to be able to call for help for them too. Like teko said above, calling in a crime.... we have lots of drunk driving around here. I personally have called in 4 REDDI reports this year alone.
If I am driving and must make a call, I pull over. If I have my kids on board, they make the call for me.... it is that simple. Common sense people.... it aint for sale or rent anywhere, thats why we see dumbasses reading while driving....
Cellphone have become a necessary evil. I live in a very rural community and am often commuting at the wee hours of the morning...like 1a.m.-2a.m. There is 43 miles between towns, and we are in the mountains. It snows, the roads are icy.... there are places where there is no cell phone reception, but if its -35 below zero and I slide off the road, I am going to want to be able to call for help. Same goes for anyone else who slides off. I want to be able to call for help for them too. Like teko said above, calling in a crime.... we have lots of drunk driving around here. I personally have called in 4 REDDI reports this year alone.
If I am driving and must make a call, I pull over. If I have my kids on board, they make the call for me.... it is that simple. Common sense people.... it aint for sale or rent anywhere, thats why we see dumbasses reading while driving....
I totally agree and we the consumer need to not buy those vehicles if this should come to pass. I mean, this is another extreme example resulting from those that do not use common sense. Fine the heck out of em. Someone needing to use the cell while driving should pull over if at all possible, they should have made it illegal from the get go. But hey, the horse is out of the barn now!
They can't put this in the same category as D.W.I. That should not happen at all. Not using a cellphone while driving is a matter of common sense but also a judgment call because a person could need it to call for medical help or to report a crime or fire or anything like that. There are clear exceptions to the rule and automatically disabling a cellphone at those times would actually compromise people's safety. There are also standard regulations as regards safe driving that already cover most of these kind of issues as following traffic regulations and laws requires concentration at all times but not all activities that stop that could nor should be banned.
WOW, Big Brother at his finest. What about heavy fines or jail time for anyone found doing anything distracting while driving and causing an accident? What about CBs and cops using laptops while driving to check license plates
LOL, I agree with all the above! Or how about all those snowbirds, that go 14 mph and cannot stay in one lane, but feel it necessary to change constantly, and always during the work rush hour. Grrrr!
Or how about those that shave, read, do their makeup, etc. I know, some people don't have much common sense.
How come the idiots who drive with their pets on their lap never get mentioned when this topic is discussed?
We too have the law banning us from talking or texting while driving, which I fully support. It's a positive. However, I am not certain I would be keen on having my phone disabled completely. In fact I am fairly certain I would be dead set against it. For me, it is an emergency line. What if I got in a car accident and needed help? What if I went off the road and was stuck, or broke down, especially with my baby in the car? I have used it to call in drunk drivers and once or twice an accident I have been witness to.
I agree that the change has to come from peoples attitudes and being educated on how dangerous it is to talk/text while driving. There was a time when most thought nothing of drinking and driving. Now, I don't know anyone who would...strict laws, harsh punishment and a zero tolerance are the key here.
I agree that the change has to come from peoples attitudes and being educated on how dangerous it is to talk/text while driving. There was a time when most thought nothing of drinking and driving. Now, I don't know anyone who would...strict laws, harsh punishment and a zero tolerance are the key here.
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