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New car key can turn off cellphone

SCIENCE BRIEFING

December 13, 2008|Times Staff and Wire Reports

Utah researchers have developed a car key that can prevent teens from talking on their cellphones while driving, the university said Thursday.

Connected through Bluetooth or RFID technologies, when the key is inserted in the ignition, it sends a signal deactivating the phone.

About 10% of teenagers are thought to be talking or texting while driving, and such activities quadruple the risk of an accident.

The device could be available in about six months at a cost of $50 plus a monthly service fee.

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