Bluetooth to be Standard in Most Vehicles by 2016

As more research points to the growing dangers

of cell phone use while driving, it is critical that

technological advances come to the rescue in

order to curb the problem.

Bluetooth technology will likely be a key in helping to reduce cell phone-related driving risks.

A report prepared by Strategy Analytics called "North American Bluetooth Automotive Market 2010 Forecast" predicts:

* Automotive Bluetooth connectivity units will skyrocket from 8,450,000 units in 2010, to 25,799,000 units in 2017.

* Wireless technology will be standard in over 85 percent of automobiles by 2015; and in 90 percent by 2016.

Many states are enacting hands-free cell phone/driving laws, including bans on texting while driving. Check out these statistics:

* At any given moment, over 1 million U.S. drivers are talking on handheld cell phones, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

* A 2010 Nationwide Insurance survey revealed that 65 percent of drivers talk on a cell phone while driving. Fifteen percent of these drivers admitted they were on their phone either all the time or frequently.

* As of Nov. 2010, hands-free laws exist in eight states -- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington -- as well as the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

* Thirty states and D.C. ban texting while driving for all drivers. An additional eight states prohibit text messaging by young drivers.

Another Strategy Analytics report, "Driver Distraction: Relevant Research and Implications for Public Policy," has found:

* Bluetooth enabled headsets and car kits can reduce crash risk by providing drivers with a voice-activated method for dialing phone numbers or performing other tasks.

* Research clearly shows the dangers of visual distraction while driving, and that hands-free technology such as Bluetooth solutions would reduce the likelihood of visual distractions.