Given the recent push to make talking and texting on cell phones while driving illegal, it seems like law enforcement is being set up for a fool’s errand.  Trying to quell cell phone use while driving will be like trying to stop people from listening to the radio.  Even on my typical daily commute, I can easily say that more than 50% of the drivers I observe talk or worse on their cell phones while driving.

New smartphone software from ZoomSafer attempts to keep drivers focused on their primary task by detecting via GPS when their phone is traveling at speeds greater than 10MPH.  Upon reaching this speed threshold, the free version of the software does the following:

• Locks the device keypad to prohibit outbound communications (calls, emails, texts)
• Reminds drivers to focus on the road with personalized safety announcements
• Automatically notifies select friends via SMS, email or via Facebook and Twitter that you’re driving
• Suppresses inbound calls and alerts except for calls originated by any of three designated priority contacts
• Auto-replies to those who attempt to contact you, telling them that you’re driving and that you’ll get back to them when finished

The $5/month subscription version of the software adds features such as hands-free calling designated contacts, announced receipt of priority email and text messages, hands-free voice dialing, voice-powered emails/texts/tweets.

The ZoomSafer concept is a decent one, although it requires drivers to show initiative and actually install the software on their device.  Protective parents will appreciate the piece of mind created by knowing that their inexperienced teen driver isn’t multitasking behind the wheel.  While iPhone compatibility could significantly increase the potential footprint of the product, the software gives self proclaimed “responsible drivers” an opportunity to prove their commitment to the cause.  Check out the video below…