A system for remotely controlling vehicle accessories is disclosed that allows a user to remotely control vehicle accessories using a conventional telephone. The system is particularly well-suited for use in controlling an in-vehicle voice recorder while recording therein navigational instructions formed of a plurality of navigational steps. Through remote control of the vehicle recorder, a recorded message may be segmented in response to DTMF signals generated by pressing keys on a keypad of a conventional telephone. A driver may then playback the navigational steps one at a time as needed while driving to the identified destination. The system further allows for remote control of other vehicle accessories through the manipulation of keys on a conventional telephone keypad.