Key turns car on, cell phone off
Cox Newpapers has written an article talking about yet another auto technology specifically for the safety of drivers and other cars on the road as well. The technology is called the Owner Compliance Key (OCK), which is a device that is part of the car’s key, that turns cell phones of when the car is turned on. This key was made by Try Safey First Inc., and the key was first launched in 2007. The key prevents outbound calls and sends inbound calls directly to voicemail. Emergency calls to 911 will still work. The Owner Compliance Key also requires you to have your seat belt fastened before you can start the engine. The usage of the OCK is voluntary, because it’s on the spare key. Also, passengers in the car can use cell phones. The key only works in the area of the driver. This technology was designed for parents and employers. Teenage drivers are particularly vulnerable to accidents period, especially when cell phones and text messaging are involved.
According to the article, there is a lot of competition with this technology, and Try Safety First is also having a hard time because automakers’ are now making hands-free communication systems that are built into the cars. Currently, you can only buy the OCK as an aftermarket item, and the company would like to see it factory installed, though it isn’t currently happening.
I don’t know how I feel about this. I guess if I had teenage children, I would really like it. I think that the hands-free systems in cars are safe, and this technology seems alittle extreme to me. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me though.