Nissan Uses Old School Tech To Stop Smartphone Distraction

Smartphone distraction behind the wheel is a cause of accidents globally. Nissan plans to put a stop to smartphone distraction with the introduction of its new Signal Shield.

Nissan's new Signal Shield concept dates back to the Faraday Cage, an invention that was first seen back in 1830. They fitted the Signal Shield into the armrest of a Nissan Juke.

When a phone is placed inside the specially-designed Signal Shield, cellular, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity will be blocked off, effectively eliminating smartphone distraction behind the wheel. When needed, the driver can open the armrest to allow the phone to receive signal. 

Despite disconnecting all forms of wireless connectivity, Nissan says that users can still connect their devices via the AUX or USB port to the car's infotainment system. Signal Shield does not affect the phone's wired operations.

Alex Smith, managing director, Nissan Motor GB Ltd said, "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."