Scientists at the University of Utah have developed every parent’s dream device (see here and here too). This unique device will block cell phone use while driving. It’s touted as a benefit for teen drivers, but I’m sure there are many people who wish they could attach this to their significant other’s key chain. I personally would like a force field-generating device to block out all the other cell phones around my vehicle.
I think the money quote is that "U psychologists David Strayer and Frank Drews came out with results two years ago revealing that drivers who talk on their cell phone or text are impaired more than someone with a blood alcohol level of .08." That justifies these things tremendously. Our society has so little tolerance for drunk driving, yet we do little about the use of cell phones in our vehicles.
I applaud states like California and Connecticut that ban cell phone use. I know, there’s going to be a ton of people complain, but honestly, do you have have to juggle the triple grande double-shot capa-guava-nutri-blah-blah-blah-accino, your morning paper, the fax/email you just received, the text message from the secretary down the hall that you flirt with (and your wife hates), the cd player, and now your cell phone? C’mon. 10 years ago these things weren’t essential. 20 years ago they were "the brick."
So, if you’re driving, and you suddenly lose cell phone reception and can’t get your precious text message/conference call/email, know that I’ve invented the cell phone force-field, and you’re now following me for the rest of your drive to work.