As much as we would like not to admit it, distracted driving is on the rise, as our increasing reliance on smartphones makes it more and more tempting to check on texts and notifications whilst behind the wheel. Nissan is looking to put an end to this behaviour by developing a new armrest concept dubbed the Nissan Signal Shield, which blocks all signals when a phone is placed in the storage compartment within.
The compartment is lined with a wire mesh to create a Faraday cage, a Victoria-era invention that blocks electromagnetic signals such as cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth connections. As such, once a mobile device is placed in the armrest and the lid closed, the Signal Shield creates a “silent zone” that removes distractions while driving, which Nissan calls a “digital detox.”
Nissan says that despite the phone being shrouded from incoming signals, users can still listen to music or podcasts using a USB or auxiliary audio connection. Wireless connection is restored by opening the armrest lid, enabling the phone to reconnect with the car’s Bluetooth system.
The concept is aimed at providing drivers with the option of eliminating distractions caused by the millions of text messages, social media notifications and app alerts pushed to smartphones each day. The British automotive services company RAC says that the number of drivers admitting to using their phones in the car has jumped from just 8% in 2014 to a staggering 31% last year.
That figure has been backed up by Nissan’s own research, which stated that almost one in five drivers (18%) admitted to having texted behind the wheel. “The Nissan Signal Shield concept presents one possible solution for giving drivers the choice to remove all smartphone distractions while driving,” said Nissan Motor GB managing director Alex Smith.
“This is about delivering more control at the wheel, not less. Some drivers are immune to the activity of their smartphone, but for those who struggle to ignore the beeps and pings, this concept provides a simple solution in this very ‘connected’ world we live in.”
Road safety spokesman for RAC Pete Williams said, “The use of a handheld phone when driving represents both a physical and mental distraction and it has been illegal since 2003. The Nissan Signal Shield is a good example of a technology that can help drivers be phone smart. For those who can’t avoid the temptation, this simple but pretty clever tech gives them a valuable mobile-free zone.”
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It is not a hardware problem, it is the software (mentality) problem. You cannot make a person change his behavior or mentality, until it is too late.
proper education is the best solution followed by a harsher punishment like banned from driving for 5 years.
Just switch to airplane mode. It solved all issue. Wasting money for this
Won’t work here, Msians can’t live without using their phones in car, me included.
Who would put their smartphone in this armrest if they still want to use it while driving? Unless the whole cabin block any signal from going into it.
(but open windows same oso signal come in…lolz)
There is car connectivity. All appear at dashboard. That is safer then holding and looking down your lap
this idea is stupid
creating this silent zone wont stop driver from using their phone
instead, they should make it more convenient and easy access to those phone call, text, social media & etc…
It is a good initiative by Nissan but knowing human as it is, most will still use the hand-phone. They just put it in a place where the signal is not affected/blocked.
The Best solution is NO hand-phone should be “visible” in the car during driving. This will not go down well with the public even if it save lives bcos we are all so “Attached” with our hand-phone like it is part & parcel of our accessories. In short, it will NOT work.P.
it is much easier to switch it to airplane mode.
Why dont introduce autonomous driving feAtures so tht everyone can be more productive in our car. And KL traffic is horribly slow and crawling all the time.
Autonomous driving also reduce those smartphone user to hog the central line and hold back traffic.
Malaysian are stubborn and ignorant lot. Even current Malaysia law says that NO use of handphone while driving, almost every road users …..these ppl kept texting, watsapp, BF-ing, gaming…..This is an epidemic, among young, old, all genders, and all races in Malaysia….
So, what this signal blocking device gonna do??
you are right. i notice some malaysians driving one hand on the steering and another holding the phone. my car was hit at the back in a heavy jam becos the driver behind me was looking at her blardy phone.
Just 100% silver fibre can do the treat.
Yet i thought Airplane/Flight mode exist for that sole purpose??
Who want to use it with this friendly feature?! No point for this invention.
Useless invention. What’s the point of having AV player with Android Auto/Apple Carplay/Mirrorlink technology? Oh..I get it..Nissan doesn’t offer those…lol
erm…if some1 emergency call how ar?
Aiyoh… janganlah announce benda ni, just faraday cage the whole car.
Nanti emergency call cannot reach, Nissan kena sue kaw2.. lolx
Precursor for ETCM to ditch Android Auto & Apple CarPlay?
I would suggest to car manufacturers to have have 3 cameras inside the car.
One facing front like the aftermarket units installed on the dash or center view mirror.
The other is facing back for reverse and to capture those hitting you from behind (for hit and run cases).
The other one will be inside looking at the driver. Let the driver use his/her smartphone while driving. If any accident occurs, this camera acts like a blackbox and police will collect the data from the camera to know the root cause. Otherwise it will be difficult to curb texting while driving.