High-Tech Chips Help Promote Safe Driving (NAPSA)—The numberof car accidents resulting from driver distraction may soon take a dip becauseof a chip—a computerchip. A wireless technology called Bluetooth brings hands-free cell phoneuseto drivers. This particular chip is designed to make a rangeof wireless technology—including hands-free use of cell phones—possible. Hands-free telecommunication has become an important factor in promoting driver safety and is even the law in several states. Experts recently estimated over 70 percentofall cell phonecalls originate from inside automobiles. One chip maker, CSR (www.csr.com), has emerged as a leader in the application of what is called Bluetooth technology— the technology that supports short-range wireless networks. It is this type of network that makes hands-free communication over a cell phone possible for a driver. It also allows a driver to download maps, directions and even dial a telephone number just by speaking out loud. Bluetooth connected speaker phones will appear as an option in several cars in the 2004 modelyear, including Chrysler’s new Pacifica.
