Skip advert
Advertisement

New tech developed to stop phone use at the wheel

Brazilian scientists reveal tech that can tell if a driver is using a phone behind the wheel

Motorist on mobile phone

Scientists in Brazil have developed a new system that can detect if a driver is using a mobile phone while driving.

The dashboard-mounted camera can determine skin patterns using facial recognition software and sounds an alarm if a handheld device is held up.

The research estimated that 80 per cent of crashes and 65 per cent of near collisions involved drivers inattentive to traffic for three seconds before the event and dialling a telephone number, for example, consumes about five seconds, resulting in 140 metres traveled by a vehicle at 100 km/h (62mph). 

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Driverless cars could be on the road by 2015

It's hoped that if tests prove successful the system would be used by hire car companies wanting to discourage distracted driving or on company car fleets. Concerned parents could also use the tech to make sure their children aren't using a phone while driving.

The scientists at the Santa Catarina State University are now working on only running the system when the car is moving or increasing detection sensitivity at higher speed.

Would you like to see mobile phone detection systems in use in the future? Leave your comments below. Alternatively, take a look at some of the future car tech that's coming our way over the next few years.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025