AR Dad Invents Anti-Texting & Driving Safety System

Because his child's safety on the road matters to him, one Central Arkansas man took it into his own hands creating a device he says will save lives.

The product is called "Seatbelt Guard" and it just hit the streets.

A handful of guys from around Arkansas took Joe Rucker's idea and ran with it all on the potential that it could save thousands of lives by eliminating one leading cause of accidents in texting and driving.

Hot Springs native, Joe Rucker invented "Seatbelt Guard" with his own children in mind.

If they go over three miles per hour in the car with their seat belt unbuckled, it will send Rucker a text message.

"That text message will say 'Susan is driving on Central Avenue in Hot Springs 22 miles an hour no seat belt," he says.

And if they're texting behind the wheel, "no seat belt and texting and driving."

The device is essentially a cell phone that matches with the driver's.

"And they become married," Rucker explained. "So once you get within ten feet of this transmitter and your the child and you have a personal cell phone ... once you start it they connect."

In case anyone else wants to know, a bulb under the side mirror lights up when the seat belt is unbuckled.

The product is only sold in Arkansas right now but the company is already seeing the demands and plan to open up in 11 other states.

They say you can't put a price on someone's life but you do have to pay for the product. It's $259 for the devise and a year service. They'll have someone install it for you for about $40 or $50.

"I saw the potential to save more lives almost like it was when the seatbelt was invented," said the company's Vice President, Ronnie Vanderslice.
 
While most of the focus falls on teenage drivers, the scope doesn't stop there.

Vanderslice added, "Every kind of business would like to know I believe if the employees are texting while they're driving."

If anyone is getting the "Big Brother" sense from this Rucker insists that's not their intention.

"We're not trying to do anything but encourage people to obey the law," he says.

While they don't deny their hopes for profits, it's the people behind the wheel and their parents, significant other or employer they hope get the most out of the product.

"It's not so much about the money," Rucker said. "It's more about the fact that I can look a man in the eye and say hey I'm glad it worked for ya."

If you're interested in "Seatbelt Guard" for your family or company, CLICK HERE.