New device prevents teenagers from talking and driving

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A University of Utah assistant professor has invented a car ignition key that he says will keep teens from texting and talking on a cell phone while driving.

The key to safe driving technology works like this. The system includes a car key one for each teen driver or family member.

The device connects wirelessly with each key user’s cell phone via blue tooth technology. Xuesong says, “To turn on the engine you need to press the button release the key and the phone turns into driving mode.”

In driving mode a teen can no longer text or talk on the phone.

Linda Mulkey loves the idea. In March of 2007, her 17 year old daughter Lauren was killed instantly by a man driving while texting on his cell phone. Professor Zhou says the device could be available for cell phone providers and automakers in the next six months.