Today, many people think driving and talking on the phone is as American as driving a convertible in the sun while blasting the Beach Boys on the radio. But talking (and texting) on the phone is a dangerous past time that legislators are trying to curb. In fact, in at least eight states, including New York and New Jersey, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless you use a hands-free device, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

There are a myriad of wireless Bluetooth speakerphones and headsets for drivers, but only a couple of models stand out. This week, I look at two of the best choices, as well as two new gadgets for people who must, absolutely must, have their cell phone with them at all times.

Motorola H17txt, $100

Do you know what "wygowm" or "imusb" stand for? The Motorola H17txt earpiece does, and it can read them back to you in plain English.

In addition to being a solid quality Bluetooth earphone, the H17txt includes software called MotoSpeak that reads incoming text messages to you. The idea is to scratch that "new text message" itch without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. The software works remarkably well, reading back messages in an almost natural voice. Owners can also set the H17txt to send an automatic response, such as, "On the road. Will respond later" so that senders know you've received the message but are busy. Better still, the earpiece can translate 150 commonly used geeky acronyms. In other words, it will say "laughing out loud" instead of "LOL."

If you're headed cross-country, Motorola has offers a free app called Smart Hands-Free for Android phones that enables you to check the hands free and cell phone laws in every state. (Some states, for example, don't allow teens to talk and drive under any circumstances.)

BTW, the answers from above: "wysowm" is Will you go out with me? and "imusb" is I miss you so bad.

BlueAnt S4, $100

Personally, I'm not comfortable with something stuck in my ear while I'm driving. I prefer a speaker phone, such as models that clip on a sun visor. However, most speakerphones still require drivers to take their eyes off the road to push a button to place or answer a call. Not the BlueAnt S4.

The S3 not only has built-in speech recognition, but unlike your spouse, it's always listening for your command. Just say, “BlueAnt, speak to me,” and the device wakes up. To make a call, you can use various commands, like “redial” or “call back,” without fumbling for buttons. You can also ask it, “What can I say?” and the phone will reel off the available commands. It's the first truly hands-free speaker phone on the market.

Zomm, $80

Leaving your phone behind can be more than just inconvenient. In an emergency, it may mean you cannot summon help. And if you leave your phone in, say, a cab and it's stolen, you could end up the victim of identity theft.

A nifty little solution to this modern day problem is the Zomm, a pebble-shaped Bluetooth device that can be clipped to a set of keys or a purse and paired with your phone. Then, should you travel more than 30 feet from your phone, the Zomm starts emitting an alarm. Think of it as an electronic leash that tethers you to your phone.

It's simple but effective, and also has other potential uses. It can be used as a key locator. Hook it to your key chain and then when you can't find them, just call the Zomm from your cell phone (it will beep and light up; great if you're in the dark). It's also a panic alarm. Press and hold a button for 9 seconds and it will set off an alarm; keep it pressed down and it will call 911, which should be able to locate you according to the nearest cell tower.

Finally, the Zomm also acts as a basic speakerphone. The audio quality isn't terribly good, but in a pinch it's good enough and could mean the difference between driving hands-free and getting an expensive ticket.

Bringrr, $35

Recognizing that cell phones are much more than just phones--they are portable e-mail machines and navigation devices--there's another product being introduced this month that won't let you pull out of the driveway without your phone.

Dubbed the Bringrr, this wireless Bluetooth gadget plugs into your car's cigarette lighter/power port. Once it has been paired to your phone, every time you start your car it will check to make sure that your cell phone is within range. If it detects your phone, it chirps and turns on its blue light. But if you were in a rush and forgot your phone, the Bringrr will start beeping and flash red. Another senior moment averted.