Researchers at the University of Utah have created a device that would jam a cell phone by connecting it to a device that determines whether a person’s car keys are in use or not.

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.

This technology would now prevent emergency phone calls to the driver from getting through.  Are you supposed to pull over in a dangerous, unfamiliar area because you got lost and the only way to get help is to stop, turn off your car, take your keys out, and then make a phone call?

This will also be easily defeated, leaving only the non-tech-savvy person irritated by the device.  You can replace the sim card, copy the car’s key, turn off the bluetooth capability, use a phone without bluetooth, or use someone else’s phone while driving.

This device will only work for the teen who is already conscientious and probably wouldn’t drive and talk at the same time anyway.  It’s a waste of time and money.  The only thing it will succeed in doing is giving tracfone or some other pay as you go phone more business.