ZoomSafer disables cellphone while driving

Dede Haskins's cellphone has been her constant companion for more than a decade and she always considered herself a careful driver - even using a hands-free set. But after missing too many exits she signed up for ZoomSafer, a free service that uses her phone's GPS sensors to determine whether she's at driving speeds, and then disable her cellphone until she stops the car.

In 2008, 918,000 hands-free systems were installed in cars, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. By the end of 2009, the industry group estimates that figure will climb to 1.6 million systems. In many cases, hands-free kits are packagedwith other options that together cost around $1,000.

Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, show that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident if they are talking on the phone 'hands-free or not' while driving. The reason, researchers say, is that drivers often become engrossed in their conversation, rather than focusing on driving, even if their hands are on the wheel. Once a conversation begins, noone sees a difference between hand-held and hands-free

The Nationwide insurance company said last month that its customers who sign up for the call-blocking service from Aegis Mobility would be eligible for a discount of around five percent off their annual premium.