According to UPI, the man pulled over into a parking lot and waited for the officers to arrive. He of course, was arrested.

We appreciate the fact that this guy realized his mistake and wanted to pull of the road, but he just epic failed himself. Wouldn't a cab or even a hotel been cheaper than getting arrested? We hope his second call is to an AA meeting or rehab.

[CL via UPI]

References say that Hoon stood for "man living off immoral earnings (i.e. a pimp)" at the turn of the 20th century. The term has evolved to encompass drivers of either sex "who drives any vehicle dangerously and/or fast." The term hoon is typically only used in Australia or New Zealand, but we're doing our damnedest to bring it front and center into the vocab of American gearheads everwhere.

This t-shirt worn at Summer Nats, an Aussie-flavored SEMA, wraps up the definition of hoon in a succinct, efficient manner. We're hoping this hoon-shirted bloke launched out of the parking lot after a smoky, tire-shredding burnout, gained enough speed to nail the perfect Rockford, thereby instantly attaining hoon-god status among his peers. A man's outfit says a lot.

Also, as an FYI to the world's laziest journalist, you don't need to name your post "photo for Ray at Jalopnik" to get our attention. Just wanted ya to know that.

[WorldsLaziestJournalist and Reference.com]

Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood told the Detroit News that Ford's research showed parents would be more likely to let teens use their vehicles with My Key. If it gets them the car more often, the number of teens objecting drops by nearly half. Of course, since a My Key crack will be available on the web about three minutes after the first one hits the showroom floor, we're pretty sure most teens aren't sweating the idea too much. In the meantime, the new feature seems like a smart way for Ford to score sales consideration points with the parents actually doing the car buying. Press release follows.

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is introducing an innovative new technology – called MyKey – designed to help parents encourage their teen-agers to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety-belt usage.

Ford's MyKey feature – which debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Focus coupe and will quickly become standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.

"Ford not only offers industry-leading crash protection and crash avoidance systems, we also are committed to developing new technologies such as MyKey that encourage safer driving behavior," said Susan Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "MyKey can help promote safer driving, particularly among teens, by encouraging seat belt use, limiting speed and reducing distractions."

MyKey is appealing to parents of teen drivers, including 75 percent who like the speed-limiting feature, 72 percent who like the more insistent safety-belt reminder, and 63 percent who like the audio limit feature, according to a recent Harris Interactive Survey conducted for Ford.

About 50 percent of those who would consider purchasing MyKey also said they would allow their children to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with the new technology. The added seat time can help teens build their driving skills in a more controlled setting, complementing graduated licensing laws that give young drivers more driving freedom as they get older.

More than half of parents surveyed worry that their teen-age children are driving at unsafe speeds, talking on hand-held cell phones or texting while driving, or otherwise driving distracted. More than a third of parents also are concerned that their teens do not always buckle their safety belts when driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.

Teens surveyed by Harris said they are largely open to MyKey if it means they will have more freedom to drive. Initially, 67 percent of teens polled said they wouldn't want MyKey features. However, if using MyKey would lead to greater driving privileges, only 36 percent would object to the technology.

"We've upgraded an existing, proven technology – the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system – with some simple software upgrades to develop a new unique feature that we believe will resonate with customers," said Jim Buczkowski, director, Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering – the same team that developed SYNC in partnership with Microsoft. "We also developed MyKey's functions in such a way to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as safety belts, stability control and SYNC."

Holding the key

The MyKey system allows the parent to program any key through the vehicle message center, which updates the SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system. When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:

* Persistent Ford Beltminder™ with audio mute. Ford's Beltminder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Beltminder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display "Buckle Up to Unmute Radio" also appears on the instrument cluster.

* Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty.

* If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as Park Aid and BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert cannot be deactivated.

Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle's message center setup menu:

* Limited top speed of 80 mph
* Traction control system, that limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
* Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume
* A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph

Using MyKey to teach teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.

Safety is the key

MyKey is just one way that Ford is helping teens drive more safely. Ford Motor Company Fund's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program helps young motorists master four critical driving skills – hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management, and speed management – that help address the majority of dangerous driving conditions. More than 3,000 teens have participated in DSFL ride-and-drive events. And more than 500,000 people have used the training course since 2003 on www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

[Ford via Detroit News]

California
Younger than 18

• Complete ban on communication devices: includes cell phone handsets, hands-free headsets, integrated vehicle speakerphone systems, text messaging, etc.
  
• If you're caught using any kind of a communication device it's a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for every subsequent offense
  
• Offenses will go on your record, but not count as points against your license
  
• Emergency calls for police, fire or medical help are permitted
  
• Use of a hands-free device is a secondary offense, meaning an officer can't pull you over for that reason alone; use of a handset is a primary offense, and officers can pull you over for that reason alone

18 and older

• Ban on handset use
  
• Hands-free devices are permitted, including Bluetooth headsets (as long as both ears aren't covered), speakerphone systems, cell phone speakerphones, etc.
  
• Text messaging is permitted, but if you are pulled over and the officer thinks you were distracted, you could be ticketed
  
• The first offense results in a $20 fine and each subsequent offense results in a $50 fine
  
• Offenses will go on your record, but not count as points against your license
  
• Dialing on the handset is permitted, but strongly discouraged
  
• Push-to-talk cell phone systems (similar to two-way radios) are not permitted; they are only permitted for commercial truck drivers not in pick-up trucks
  
• Emergency calls for police, fire or medical help are allowed

Washington

• Ban on handset use (a complete text messaging ban has been in effect since January 1)
  
• Hands-free devices are permitted, including Bluetooth headsets, wired headsets, speakerphones, Bluetooth speakerphones, etc.
  
• Exceptions to the law include emergency use, emergency vehicle operators, tow truck operators or a hearing-impaired person using a hearing aid
  
• The hands-free and text messaging bans are both secondary violations, meaning an officer can't stop you for that reason alone
  
• Fines can be as much as $124

Options
There are plenty of options that comply with the new driving laws in California and Washington, most of which are cheaper than the fines associated with violations.

Cell phone speakerphone
This is the cheapest option in most cases. Many cell phones have an integrated speakerphone that can be activated with a push of a button. Just be careful about holding it too close to your ear.

Wired headset
Wired headsets are a dying breed, but remain one of the cheapest and easiest options. Many cell phones include a wired headset out of the box, but for those that don't, one can be purchased for cheap. Like less than $10 cheap.

Wireless headsets
This most commonly means Bluetooth headsets. For driving purposes, these are some of the safest to use because you can push a button on the headset to answer the call and hang up. They also provide great clarity and are easy to transport. Be warned that if you wear the headset outside of the vehicle, many people will think you are a douchebag.

Third-party speakerphone
Third-party speakerphones include those manufactured by companies like Motorola as well as those already integrated into your car. The Ford Sync is just one example of an in-car system that includes a Bluetooth speakerphone.

It's also modular and can be built-to-order to match the needs of any commuter. The prices range from $150 to $330 and it's not necessarily the safest of additions to your vehicle, but hey, if the police can handle driving while playing solitaire, why can't the average cubicle Joe? [Product Page via AMG]

The IBM system, which goes by the name of "Artificial Passenger," can use touch-sensitive controls to perform basic functions throughout the vehicle like rolling down the windows, controlling the media player and answering the phone. The camera mounted in the middle of the steering wheel can perform similar functions by reading the lips of the driver. But the real fun with this system is the beatbox integration.

Think of it like Guitar Hero on your steering wheel. The touch controls are at 10 and 2, where your hands should be regardless, allowing you can tap out beats with the accompanying music. Redundant controls and a lip-reading camera are also integrated into the passenger side, so when you do have a passenger, they can enjoy the fun as well. Check out the video above for a full demonstration of the very strange system. [Autopia]

Hands-free devices like Bluetooth headsets will still be permitted, as will emergency calls. The fine for violators will be $200, but with school zones generally just a few blocks long, what is the Chatty Cathy to do during a lengthy conversation? Put the phone down for the two blocks? Also, what are the chances a police officer will be in the school zone to actually do the enforcing? Perhaps what's needed are crossing guards with photo radar. And kevlar vests. [Dallasnews]

It will relay information about blood-glucose levels at any given time to keep the diabetic aware and to determine if it's time for a snack. This could be a potentially life-saving vehicle addition for long-distance drivers who deal with the disease. If combined with nav we could see this system then reminding the driver where to find a healthy snack in a nearby store, and purposefully denying the existence of sugary fast foods. [Ubergizmo]

Teenagers didn't change their mobile phone usage habits, period. In a related survey, parents offered overwhelming support for the law, but conceded that enforcement was lacking. Even the vice-president of IIHS opined that these kinds of bans are difficult to enforce because it's hard to determine the age of users, and because hands-free devices like Bluetooth headsets are often hard to see.

One possible solution is to take the "DUI approach." Cops often set up roadside checkpoints in the vicinity of drinking establishments, so why not set up checkpoints outside of high schools, movie theaters and the mall? [Gadget Remote]

It turns out he did. Our new friend Alan had an intimate knowledge of the land from over thirty years piloting this same stretch of asphalt and he implored us to follow him, which we happily did. After a brief drive over his home turf we stopped to chat and take some pictures. We exchanged information and went about our way. The next morning there was an email waiting for us was a scan of a highlighted map with notes and a long screed on his favorite roads (he was right, btw). It was just another reminder of why we love the community of drivers, made up of people who enjoy running up the miles on their cars and want to do so in a safe, responsible and enjoyable way. Thanks Alan.

An experiment showed that while listening, experiment participants could complete a visual task easier when the task and the projected voice was in front, compared to a speaking voice come from the sides or back.

The latter experiment could lead to new vehicle speakerphone technology that could cut down on the level of distraction. Additionally, we're curious if the findings regarding the levels of brain distraction while speaking and listening could actually lead to a complete ban of cell phone use while driving, rather than the current limited restrictions. [Science Daily] (Image via Getty)

The legislation is stating that the GPS navigation units can only occupy a 5-inch square on the lowest left-hand corner of the windshield or a 7-inch square on the lowest right side corner. For aesthetic purposes, those two areas are best suited for GPS navigation units, but for practicality, not so much. Maybe the California legislation should talk to this guy to find out the truth behind windshield obstruction. [GPStracklog]

• 80% of cell phone owners talk while driving
  
• 40% of cell phone owners between 16 and 30 text message while driving
  
• 60% of teens use cell phones while driving
  
• 65% of baby boomers between 45 and 61 use cell phones while driving
  
• 78% of users between 18 and 30 use cell phones while driving
  
• 80% of users between 31 and 44 use cell phones while driving.

People should be videotaped while talking on their phones while driving, both to show how it impacts their driving and how big of a douchebag they look like gabbing on their pink RAZR while their Tahoe hugs two lanes. [Breitbart via CG] {Image via Getty)

It's being sold by the tech and gadget company, Thinkgeek, as a solution for all-night gaming.

It's a pretty typical situation. You've been gaming for sixteen hours and downed plenty of Bawls and Foosh Energy Mints, but the inevitable has begun to happen - you're starting to get the dreaded drowsy head tilt. Maybe this means it's time to quit your session and get some rest. We think not. The better answer is to put on the Anti Sleep Driving Alarm and keep on going.

The real purpose is probably for the passenger to use and not distract the driver with the bright and annoying dome lights, but we're negative nancies around these parts so we generally try to bring out the worst in every product. The Seatbelt light is sold in packs of two for $15. [Product Page via CG]

The law would make it legal to still drive with the dog in shotgun or the back, but just no sitting on the lap of the driver. If they read Jalopnik or drove Volvos, they'd know to buckle up their pets for ultimate safety. [Source/Photo: NBC 5i]