Washington: A new system which prevents people from texting while driving by disabling the car has been developed in the US.
In the new system, to start the car, drivers must insert their smartphone into the device called ORIGOSafe, which is installed in the vehicle's centre console.
As a user drives, the device charges the phone and only allows a driver to make and receive calls via Bluetooth. The phone can be removed while driving, but it will trigger an alarm and alert a system administrator, such as a parent or manager, Discovery News reported.
Consequentially, that user will be locked out of the system and unable to start the car on a subsequent trip. Only a system administrator will be able to unlock that feature, according to the website Gizmag.
However, if the parking brake is engaged and the vehicle is idling, the device will allow the phone to be removed.
The device developed by a Virginia-based company costs USD 279 plus installation.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 17, 2013, 13:48