Caleb Breen

A driver assistance system that allows drivers to safely and legally operate their mobile phone while driving.

10% of all car crashes on New Zealand roads can be attributed to distracted driving. Illegally using a phone while driving is a common cause of driver distraction, leaving drivers visually, cognitively, and physically impaired.

The Hands-Off system aims to reduce these impairments through three components: a phone holder, an app, and a wearable controller.

The phone holder reduces visual impairment by mounting the driver's phone legally, keeping the driver looking ahead. It uses a built-in proximity sensor to detect when the driver's phone is mounted and automatically opens the Hands-Off app.

While mounted, the app restricts the usability of the phone. The legal functions of receiving calls, playing music, and navigation are still accessible but any notifications are temporarily blocked, as they are the main cause of cognitive impairment when driving.

The wearable controller reduces physical impairment, allowing the driver to remotely navigate the app and perform the standard music controls, all without removing their hands from the steering wheel.