Patent ID: 7308247

Claim:
A method for improving safety in using a wireless communication device in a moving vehicle, the wireless communication device having an active voice mode wherein a person can speak through the wireless communication device, and is capable of receiving a GPS signal that includes GPS coordinates of a plurality of traffic lights, comprising exercising the following steps by means of a computer program operating within the vehicle: (a) querying the GPS to obtain a current location for the wireless communication device in the form of geographical coordinates; (b) periodically updating the current location to create the then current location; (c) comparing the geographical coordinates of the then current location to the geographical coordinates of the closest of said traffic lights; (d) determining when if the then current location is within a predetermined distance from said closest of said traffic lights; (e) determining if the vehicle is moving; (f) determining if the wireless communication device is in an active voice mode; and (g) issuing an audible alarm in response to determining that (i) the then current location is within the predetermined distance, (ii) the vehicle is moving, and (ii) the wireless communication device is in an active voice mode, whereby a user of the wireless communication device is warned of proximity to said closest traffic light.