What does Key2SafeDriving do?

Key2SafeDriving prevents the user from texting or placing calls while a car is running. This is called "Safe Driving Mode".

What if a driver needs to make an emergency call?

Yes, the driver can. In "Safe Driving Mode", the driver cannot text or place telephone calls, BUT can call 911 and two other emergency numbers selected at the time of installation. 

These two numbers can be changed later if needed by the account owner using an authorized PIN number.

How does Key2SafeDriving work?

Key2SafeDriving has two parts:

1. a device that is plugged into a car
2. software that is installed on a cell phone.

When the car is started, the device turns on and then communicates with recognized cell phones in the car using a technology called Bluetooth, putting the cell phones in "Safe Driving Mode".

Does Key2SafeDriving work with every cell phone?

No, Key2SafeDriving software runs mainly on what are known as Smart Phones. A full list of supported cell phones is available here.

What if my child manually turns off Bluetooth on his cell phone?

Our software enables Bluetooth and keeps it enabled by forcing the Bluetooth back on.

Does Bluetooth use mean Key2SafeDriving reduces the cell phone battery life?

We have intelligent Bluetooth power management to maximize the battery life. Also, our Bluetooth interface handles simple on/off switch signals, so it is not as battery-consuming as typical hands-free devices.

What happens if my son simply disconnects the device from the car?

The Key2SafeDriving device is equipped with a tattle-tale function that will alert the parent or admin user that the device has been tampered with.

Do I need a Key2SafeDriving device for each cell phone?

No, you will need a Key2SafeDriving device for each car and software for each cell phone.

Also, remember that each device includes software for one cell phone.

Does your system allow passenger to use their cell phones?

That is the decision of the parent or admin user, assuming the passenger's cell phone has the Key2SafeDriving software installed.

Is your device a cell phone jammer that blocks every call?

No, our system is not a cell phone jammer. In “Safe Driving Mode”, the Key2SafeDriving software redirects incoming calls to voicemail.

With Key2SafeDriving, can I (an adult driver) use a hands-free headset to talk while driving?

Yes, you can still use a hands-free headset. Although, we encourage you to reduce total talk time on a hands-free headset while driving.

Studies by University of Utah psychologists indicate hands-free phones are just as distracting as handheld phones when talking while driving.

With Key2SafeDriving, can I use a hands-free device to talk and still disable my texting function while driving?

Yes, you can disable the option of texting while driving and still maintain use of your hands-free device.

With Key2SafeDriving, can I use my phone in a bus or a train?

Yes, unlike other similar devices, Key2SafeDriving does not depend on GPS or cell tower triangulation to detect “driving” mode.

Where does the Key2SafeDriving device plug in to a car?

The Key2SafeDriving device plugs into the OBDII port.

OBD stands for "on-board diagnostics", a computer-based system built into all model year 1996 and newer light-duty cars and trucks.

OBDII is used by manufacturers and mechanics to monitor the performance of some of the engines' major components, including individual emission controls. The system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way of a dashboard "Check Engine" light. 

Where is the OBDII Port located in my vehicle?

The exact location of the OBDII Port varies from vehicle to vehicle, but it will be within a few feet of the driver and it will have easy access. Most often you can find your OBDII Port somewhere below the steering column, either above the pedals or perhaps inside a fuse box by the driver's knee. Your OBDII Port will probably be in plain view (provided you have your head where your legs would normally be while driving), but some connectors are covered.

If you have trouble finding the port in your car, click here. This document has detailed information on OBDII ports.

 

What is the law in my state concerning texting, cell phones and driving?

View the Map from Oprah's site to learn about your state's laws concerning cell phone use behind the wheel and then take the pledge by clicking here.

Seriously, texting doesn't distract drivers THAT much, does it?

There have been studies over recent years that show frightening similarities between texting while driving and driving while being under the influence of alcohol. However, here are some of the findings from some studies:

- Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent...(Carnegie Mellon)
- Nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted driver and more than half a million were injured...(NHTSA)
- The younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes...
- Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves...(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Cell phone use while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent...(University of Utah)