Bluetooth devices help improve safety, avoid fines

Laws targeting cell phone usage while driving have been enacted in most states, and now law enforcement agencies are putting some teeth into their enforcement activities.

The change has coincided with a growing body of evidence showing that cell phone usage contributes to vehicle accidents, some fatal. In California, a statewide ad campaign tells drivers, "Phone in one hand, ticket in the other."

How can drivers comply with so-called "hands-free" laws and still manage to speak effortlessly on their latest smartphone device?

Bluetooth, the wireless technology that connects devices such as head and cellular phones, has expanded its reach of products and uses. The devices have become a de facto standard for connecting wireless devices.

The latest products offer better battery life and "pair" with a wide variety of new devices. They offer "streaming" stereo music and have become better at turning voice commands into text or actions such as making a call or looking up directions on a Google map.

Although new vehicles often include Bluetooth support, what about older vehicles?

The newest devices put the power of Bluetooth at your fingertips. Some offer a capability known as "speech to text," which lets drivers listen and respond to text messages using voice. GPS devices from manufacturers such as Garmin or Tom-Tom sync to your cell phone and allow you to deliver verbal commands and listen to navigation directions.

How can Bluetooth help prevent drivers from running afoul of state laws? Here are some examples of the latest devices:

• Visor speakerphone. These are often battery powered and automatically connect to your cellular phone when you enter the vehicle. No special installation is required.

   

• Wireless Earpieces. These take just moments to set up. The devices also help drivers comply with hands-free laws.

   

• GPS navigation devices. Drivers can communicate to the navigation device through a Bluetooth headset and make hands-free calls.

   

• MP3 players that sync up to your sound system. This allows you to stream music and control your MP3 player from the stereo head unit.

   

• Rear-view mirrors with caller ID and speaker phone.

   

• Headsets for listening to music. Passengers can listen to music without plugging wires into the sound system or MP3 player.