The many arguments given for and against banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving should largely become irrelevant if Gardner Inc.'s prediction that developments in the field of telematics will soon allow you to make voice commands to answer calls.

Telematics, according to the Oxford English Dictionary is "the branch of information technology which deals with the long-distance transmission of computerised information". Telematics technologies are being developed for use in vehicles for a wide range of purposes, including communication, navigation, and entertainment.

For example this means that to turn down the radio, and to answer the phone or make a call, drivers would simply have to signal the commands with their voices. The same technology would allow drivers to roll down the windows, or to turn on the wipers with voice commands. Web services for passengers and other high tech gear are also part of the services being studied by the car manufacturers.

Various studies, including one by the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, conclude that cell phone use accounts for only a small percentage of accidents compared to other driver distractions. About 40 states have banned or are considering banning hand-helds in vehicles. Many European countries already prohibit mobile phone use for the driver. I agree with such bans against hand-helds as I believe that it is better to err on the side of safety.

Opponents of a ban on cell-phone use include the Bermuda Road Safety Council chairman, Dr. Joseph Froncioni, who was quoted in the Royal Gazette last September as stating that "We have not recommended that cell phone use be made an offence while driving although there is very little doubt that it creates a distraction. But there is no data or literature to say it's a significant problem. Furthermore there are a number of other things which distract drivers."

Ok, like most of us Dr. Froncioni likes the liberty of being able to choose to use his cell phone while driving, but according to new research by Gartner about 80 percent of fellow drivers on the road are afraid that he, and others like him, might cause an accident driving while yakking (DWY).

The Gardner study, however, points the way forward, by outlining developments in the field of telematics that promise to allow voice activated control of many functions needed to turn the car into safer rolling office. This would allow legislators to address the more general problems caused by a range of driver distractions, cited as the cause of about 25 percent of all accidents, rather than just focus on part of the problem.

Use of a cell phone accounted for 1.5 percent of accidents caused by driver distraction, according to the US highways regulator's study. Gardner optimistically forecasts that voice activation of all main car controls will become the main user-interface technology for telematics services in model-year 2005 automobiles. However, motorcar companies are proceeding slowly with the installation of the technologies due to a number of concerns.

"The most promising technology for minimizing driver distraction from telematics services is the voice-based user interface. Interacting and controlling a telematics program via voice allows drivers to focus their attention on operating the vehicle," Gardner says. "More important, it will help the telematics industry build consumer confidence and cultivate support from government regulators and safety advocates."

Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corp. are among those companies currently investing significant amounts into testing the safety issues relating to such technologies. The developments seem to point to a combination interface, with button commands on the steering wheel and voice-activated functions.

"Telematics are still a fairly new technology and little data is available on potential safety issues related to driver distraction," Gardner stated. "To ensure that their telematics services won't lead to an avalanche of consumer lawsuits and government regulations, automakers are investing significant resources to explore the risk these applications might present to a driver."

A looming issue will be whether the technology works for drivers, rather than becoming another frustrating experience in bad design. Imagine getting mad because the car computer confuses your voice command to speed up your windshield wipers with the command for opening the side window.

Those who are addicted to Internet broadcasts (listen while you work!) or who imagine themselves as a budding disk jockey, should try Live365, Inc., which provides audio streaming channels at (www.live365.com).

"Whether you're looking for music to accompany you at work, an obscure talk show about UFOs, or live mixes by underground DJs to play at your next party, Live365 offers the most diverse selection of internet radio stations you'll find anywhere," the Internet site boasts.

Currently there are a total of 76 channels online, some created by a variety of individuals, others by regular radio stations. Companies or organisations that want to create their own broadcast can sign up for the "Pro Services" feature, which costs from $75 to $500 a month. This service, which is commercial free, is geared at existing radio stations, or companies that might want to put training instructions or speeches online.

For individuals Live365 offers a service costing from US$7 to US$75 a month, depending on how much services you want. Live365 hopes to earn its money from the individual services by including commercials in such broadcasts.

Tech Tattle deals with topics relating to technology. You can contact Ahmed at editoroffshoreon.com or (33) 467901474.