Scott, you should really start patenting these ideas

[Nick Koan]

http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/...le_driving.php

Statistics show that driving while talking on the cell phone increases the chance of an accident by 400 %. Though speaking on the cell phone while driving is not a crime in many states as of yet taking into consideration the statistics it will eventually be banned in all the states. A new company Highway and Safety control is releasing a device to automatically detect drivers talking on their cell phones. Instead of police officer needing to observe a cellphone in use, the system automatically detects a cell phone call and records which car was making the call. Already in use in a few European countries the system will make it to the US this fall it is designed to detect, identify and cite drivers who break cell phone us laws." . The company attaches a paint gun to mark the car, or even an EMP gun that can disable the offending cell phone.

The company is the first in the world to develop such a system.

[Dean]

I would expect to see more paint jobs like this then...

[sperry]

So, how does the system detect if the passenger is on the phone?

[sybir]

Or if you're on a headset? Or using the bluetooth integration on your stereo?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by sybir

Or if you're on a headset? Or using the bluetooth integration on your stereo?

That would be illegal also. Handsfree stuff doesn't seem to make a difference with the level of distraction.

Cell phones are going to be like open containers... not even the passengers can be on 'em while driving. which sucks, because I'll pass the phone to the passenger to get directions or something while I'm driving.

[AtomicLabMonkey]

This idea will go over like a Titantic-sized lead balloon. There are too many safety and liability concerns involved in deploying such a system.

[cody]

Originally Posted by AtomicLabMonkey

This idea will go over like a Titantic-sized lead balloon. There are too many safety and liability concerns involved in deploying such a system.

Why? Just because they're talking about shooting paint and/or EMP at moving vehicles.

[sybir]

Originally Posted by sperry

That would be illegal also. Handsfree stuff doesn't seem to make a difference with the level of distraction.

Cell phones are going to be like open containers... not even the passengers can be on 'em while driving. which sucks, because I'll pass the phone to the passenger to get directions or something while I'm driving.

Oh, I agree on the distraction front. However, as far as I was aware, all of the current laws just require a handsfree setup as opposed to banning calls altogether (ban on "handheld" phones), as it's the "one hand off the wheel holding the phone while juggling coffee and kids" that was percieved as the main issue. Did some of the places like NY lock down further? CA is enforcing a headset law in January 2008. Doesn't bother me, I use a little BT headset that works fine, is louder than the normal phone, and lets me not think about the phone. Definitely safer.

Link's somewhat outdated as it doesn't have CA, but it looks like the only outright bans (no cell phone at all) are for school bus drivers, and new drivers (as it should be).

http://www.businessweek.com/autos/co...103_745302.htm

Also, a larger perspective:

http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/


I want to know where this thing would be used, as every country on that list still only bans handheld phones, not headsets or other hands-free solutions.