Do you find yourself sending test messages while driving? It’s a distracting habit that all too many of us have fallen into. A new company called Key2SafeDriving thinks they have a solution. It’s a Bluetooth device that will be built into a car key. It activates when the key is inserted into the ignition causing the following actions:

The design behind k2sd ensures a cost-effective solution to the ever-increasing danger of unsafe driving coupled with cellphone use.

1. A car key is configured to wirelessly connect with a cell phone through Bluetooth or RFID.

2. To turn on the engine, the driver has to either slide the key out or push a button to release it, then a “driving” signal is automatically sent to the associated cell phone, and the cell phone changes to “driving” mode, during which

* Teen drivers are not allowed to talk/text while driving
* Adult drivers need to use a hands-free device, and are not allowed to text while driving (Remark: Adults using hands free with soft reporting can obtain partial discounts, while adults wanting total disablement obtain even higher insurance discounts)
* Incoming phone calls/text messages are auto-replied to
* Cell phone capabilities can still be used during an emergency

3. When the car key is used to turn off the engine, a “car stopped” signal is sent to the phone, and the cell phone returns to normal communication mode.

This sounds like a much needed features that could not only save insurance premiums but also lives.

Key2SafeDriving via SlashGear