Nissan builds in-car signal jammer to eliminate phone distractions

An automobile manufacturer has developed a compartment that blocks signals from cell phones.

Nissan says the signal jammer prototype, integrated into the armrest of its Juke crossover vehicle, will eliminate distractions caused by incoming calls, messages and social media notifications.

The box operates on the principle of the Faraday cage - invented in the 1830s - which uses a material such as wire mesh to protect its contents from electromagnetic fields.

All mobile, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals cannot reach the interior of the compartment once the cover is closed.

Penalties and fines for illegal phone use by drivers doubled to six points and £ 200 on March 1 following a string of high-profile cases and research suggesting the practice is widespread.

Alex Smith, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said: “Mobile phone use while driving is a growing concern in the automotive industry, and even in society, especially with the high number of push communications such as texts, social media notifications and app alerts that tempt drivers to reach their devices.

“The Nissan Signal Shield concept presents a possible solution to give drivers the choice to remove all smartphone distractions while driving. It's about providing more control behind the wheel, not less.

"Some drivers are immune to their smartphone activity, but for those who find it difficult to ignore beeps and pings, this concept offers a simple solution in this highly connected world we live in."

A RAC survey of more than 1,700 UK motorists found that the proportion of those who admit to using a mobile phone while driving rose from 8% in 2014 to 31% last year.

In October, truck driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for 10 years after killing a woman and three children while plowing their stationary car while they were distracted by his phone on the A34 near Newbury, Berkshire.

Twenty-two people were killed and 99 seriously injured in crashes on UK roads in 2015 where a motorist using a mobile was a contributing factor, according to figures from the Department for Transport.

RAC Road Safety spokesperson Pete Williams said, “Our research shows that cell phone use by drivers has reached epidemic proportions.

“As mobile phone technology has advanced considerably, many people have become dependent on it. However, using a cell phone while driving is both a physical and mental distraction and has been illegal since 2003.

“The Nissan Signal Shield is a good example of technology that can help drivers be smart on the phone.

"For those who cannot avoid the temptation, this simple but smart enough technology gives them a valuable mobile-free zone."