A Technological way to reduce traffic accidents

Texting and voice use of cell phones increases the incidence of traffic accidents.

Cell phones, by regulation, have GPS receivers built into them these days. By comparing its location from one moment to the next a GPS can determine its own speed, its a basic function built into almost all of them.

Why not amend the existing regulation to require that all cell phones automatically disable themselves when moving at speeds between (just for discussion) 25 and 75 mph. Basically, if you are in a moving car the cell phone will not work.

For those who would argue that they are traveling salesmen and need their phone while on the road I might make an exception for units built into the hard wiring and speaker system of the vehicle - although I personally think its a bad idea.

What do you think?

Hell, it would disable emergency use by anybody in a moving vehicle.

The OP's solution introduces more problems than it solves.

Most phones allow you to dial 911 even if you plan is suspended.

The phones could even be designed to notify you when someone is calling you but not let the call through.

Not saying we should do it but there is not technical reason to do so and people certainly don't have a "right" to make phone and receive phone calls while driving.

At a minimum I see no problem w/ using GPD to block highspeed texting. That is utter insanity. With hands free phone setup you can at least be moderately safe and keep eyes on the road and hands of the wheel (although the mental distraction is a problem).

People texting with one hand while looking down at the tiny screen in traffic is just stupid.

Every day I see commercials telling me not to drink and drive because I will get arrested; that if I get caught without a seat belt, I'll get a ticket. Nothing about texting or cell phone use.

Funny thing though, it's all about fearing the "man", not the real reason to buckle up, stay sober and focus on driving which at least in my mind is not suffering an agonizing death in a fiery crash; or even worse spending the rest of my life living with the guilt of knowing my stupid lapse of judgment maimed someone else.

bad idea. sorry, I use my cell phone while driving because both are part of my job

How about a little extra training and an endorsement on one's license for cell-phone use? Cops, firefighters all kinds of professionals have been driving and talking on their radios for decades. Doing other stuff while driving is a skill that can be taught

I assure you, driving at code 3 at over 80mph and utilizing the radio is not something that's trained for.

Interestingly, accidents went up when the speed limits came on. Go figure.