DoT exploring technology that would disable cell phones in cars

The Transportation Department is looking into technology to disable cell phones in vehicles, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

“There’s a lot of technology out there that can disable phones and we’re looking at that,” LaHood said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” 

“A number of those people came to our distracted driving meeting here in Washington and that’s one way,” he said.

LaHood seemed to suggest that this technology has a good chance of making its way into cars.

“I think it will be done,” he said.

Wireless companies see signal scrambling technology as a blunt instrument in the fight against distracted driving, pointing out that cell phones are just one distraction in the car. 

UPDATE: DoT spokeswoman Olivia Alair confirmed that the department is examining this technology. She added that the department has “no intention” at this point to require it. She pointed to a statement from LaHood that said his campaign has focused on “raising awareness, getting good laws on the books, stepping up enforcement, and most importantly, taking personal responsibility.”