TASER International Inc. will unveil its Protector safe driver system during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that runs from Jan. 6-10 in Las Vegas.

Through the use of innovative technology, the Protector safe driver system enables families to prevent cell-phone related driving distractions, foster responsible driving behaviors, and have the information necessary to take action in emergency situations.

"There is no doubt that distracted driving is a problem that has now reached epidemic levels on our roads and highways," according to Rick Smith, CEO and cofounder of TASER. "We are in the business of protecting lives, and through the development of technologies such as the Protector safe driver system, we want to empower families with the right tools to curb distracted driving."

The safe driver system consists of a hardware device in the car (the base unit) that's paired with a handset application on the phone (the distraction management software), and configuration of options, alerts and settings over the web (via the console software).

The trio of components have their own unique means of communication, allowing the Protector safe driver system to "verify" that the full system is in place and functioning properly, and giving you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe behind the wheel.

• The base unit can be easily installed into a vehicle via the OBD II port, and whenever the vehicle is running, the base unit will emit a Bluetooth signal.

• The distraction management software gets installed onto the driver's smart-phone; the software is currently available for Android 2.2+ and BlackBerry 5.0+ phones.

• When the distraction management software recognizes the signal from the Protector base unit, it locks down the phone, so that only approved functionality can be accessed.

• Parents or account administrators will have the ability to decide whether or not handset and/or hands free calling is permitted.

• Texting, emailing, Web surfing, and other functionality that requires eyes, hands, and attention are never permitted when locked mode is engaged.

In addition to preventing distracted driving behavior, the safe driver system provides safe driving reports, based on configurable rules, and real-time vehicle location and status information. With these functions, parents or administrator will be able to see where the car is whenever needed, so that if the driver ever has a problem, information on where they are and how to get to them is available immediately.

Available for retail today, the highly anticipated Protector safe driver system from TASER can be purchased online for $249.95 with a monthly service subscription.

Nearly 6,000 people were killed in more than 500,000 vehicle crashes related to distracted driving in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.