VIRGINIA -- The National Safety Council estimates that some 24 percent of all car accidents involve cell phone use.
While many states have bans against texting or talking on the phone while driving, that's not always enough to keep people from doing it.
A Virginia company has created a new device to improve driving safety.
It is called, "ORIGOSafe," and works as an ignition interlock system that requires drivers to place their phone on a docking station before their car can start.
Clay Skelton, who invented the device, said he came up with the idea to help reduce distracted driving.
"It's a problem we all face, so to be part of a solution to that is a good feeling," said Skelton.
When you get in the car, you'll have to put your cell phone down before you'll be able to go anywhere.
"So when you get in the car and you try and start the car, as long as the phone is in your hand you can't start car," says Skelton.
The ignition interlock system can be installed in any type of vehicle and can be programmed to work with several types of phones.
If your phone isn't on the dock, your car won't start. If you remove your phone from the dock, an alarm will go off and you'll need a passcode to start your car again.
Skelton came up with the idea after hearing about so many tragic accidents involving cell phones and distracted driving, so he starting thinking about a solution for how to keep drivers focused on driving rather than talking or texting.
"It's a problem. It's the number one killer on the roads today in the United States... so to be part of the solution to that, and to come up with something that really works well and it's non-intrusive and it's intuitive and easy to use. It's a good feeling," says Skelton.
Already, Director of Sales, Cheryl Lynch says the device is catching the attention of both parents of young drivers and trucking companies.
"Our main goal is to have our drivers come home safely at night to their families. And that's what we want to do also, is give them a solution that allows that to happen," says Lynch.
The product is available in two formats, one for fleet vehicles and one for families.
