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Nissan, concerned over rising rates of drivers admitting that they use their phones behind the wheel, has created a new option, a Nissan Signal Shield, which is designed to slot into the armrest of a Juke.
Far from being new tech, though, the Signal Shield is actually a simple Faraday Cage, a metal frame named for one of the fathers of electromagnetic science, Michael Faraday. The Cage bends, distorts and blocks the incoming signals, meaning that drivers can't be prodded into using their phones by tweets, texts or calls.
Obviously, one could say simply turn the phone off, so switch it to airplane mode, but according to Nissan, it's clear that drivers aren't doing that. According to a survey by the RAC, 31 per cent of drivers, admit to using their phones behind the wheel, compared to just four per cent in 2014.
Alex Smith, Managing Director, Nissan Motor GB Ltd. said: "Nissan produces some of the safest cars on the road today, but we are always looking at new ways to improve the wellbeing of our customers. Mobile phone use at the wheel is a growing concern across the automotive industry, and indeed society, particularly with the high number of 'pushed' communications, such as texts, social media notifications and app alerts that tempt drivers to reach for their devices.
"The Nissan Signal Shield concept presents one possible solution for giving drivers the choice to remove all smartphone distractions while driving. 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."
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: "Our research shows that handheld phone use by drivers has reached epidemic proportions. As mobile phone technology has advanced significantly many people have become addicted to them. However, 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. We are asking all drivers to make a personal commitment not to use a handheld phone at the wheel by visiting www.bephonesmart.uk and sharing their promise with their friends and family."