Gizmodo: hands free laws

DriveAssistT Saves Cellphone Addicts From Themselves

Sean Fallon — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EDT

You know it's wrong, but you just can't help it. When your cellphone rings in the car you are compelled to answer it. New software called DriveAssistT (The extra "T" is...a silent nod to Mr. T?) aims to save you from yourself by automatically holding all of your calls when it detects that the phone is moving at car speeds. During that time, callers are greeted with a message saying, in effect, that the person they are trying to reach appears to be driving. They are also offered the option of going directly to voicemail. Currently, the creator of DriveAssistT is pitching the idea to cellular networks in hopes that it can start saving lives sometime soon. Estimates put the monthly cost at about $10 to $20 per family. [CNN]

Question of the Day: Do You Support Hands-Free Laws?

Sean Fallon — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

It seems like common sense—if drivers have two hands on the wheel they are less likely to get in an accident on the road. Therefore, all states should adopt a hands-free law when it comes to driving and cellphone use. However, there are studies out there that suggest hands-free driving with a Bluetooth headset is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Whether that is true or not, there is still the problem of implementing the law in such a way that it becomes a truly effective deterrent. So, despite these potential shortcomings, do you support hands free laws?

If you have been busted by the hands-free law, Bluetooth headset companies are already doing promotions aimed at offenders. (Although, you can type in any random number in the citation box and still get the deal.)

Bluetooth Headset Deals For Anyone Who Breaks the Hands Free Law

Sean Fallon — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:26:00 EDT

Congrats on being a lawbreaker! Why? Because it will earn you a $20 discount on a new Jawbone Bluetooth headset thanks to a new promotion Aliph is running on their product website. Not a fan of the Jawbone? No worries—Headsets.com is giving away a free Plantronics Discovery 925 (a $149.95) headset to the first 734 applicants who have been busted by the long arm of the law. Apparently crime does pay! [Jawbone via Boing Boing Gadgets and Headsets.com]