System for discouraging distracted driving

#The present invention relates to modifying undesired and unsafe behaviors while operating a motor vehicle. Such behaviors include texting or engaging the screen of a mobile communications device while operating a motor vehicle.

#Personal communication devices have dropped in price since their introduction in the 1990's. This has expanded their deployment throughout the general population. With widespread distribution and an untethered connection, the use of such devices occurs in virtually all terrestrial locations. The problem of drivers being distracted by phones that just carried voice communications was initially relatively small, because little visual interaction was required. However, with the advent of smart phones and other screen-based communication devices, distracted driving has grown dramatically. The consequences of losing attention during the act of driving are thousands of deaths and injuries annually. According to a United States government website on this topic, over 3,100 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2014. In the same year, over 431,000 were injured for distraction-related driving incidents.

#A potential of distracted driving exists for all types of vehicle operators including teenagers, commercial vehicle operators and truckers, farm equipment operators, and recreational vehicle owners, as examples. Anyone who operates a mobile communications device in a way that involves a displacement of focus can be distracted from the primary task of operating a moving vehicle, and severely negative consequences can occur.

#The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

#FIG. 1 is a logical block diagram of one embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operator's seat and positions of an embodiment using directional antennas.

#In the following detailed description, specific examples are described with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These examples describe the system and method in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the associated arts to practice the invention. It should be understood that these are examples only, and they should not be taken as limiting. Other examples may also be practiced that are consistent with the spirit and intention of the present system and method and apparent to those skilled in the associated arts, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

#There is a need for a system that attempts to change potentially dangerous driving behavior and actions through negative, non-dangerous responses. An objective of this invention is the curbing or elimination of distracted driving by operators of motorized vehicles of many types. Examples of such vehicles include but are not limited to cars, trucks, utility vans, buses, trains, farm equipment and commercial vehicles. For purposes of explanation, a car is used as an example vehicle in all illustrations, but the principles are applicable to other vehicle types. The objective is accomplished by deploying a system that causes a highly noticeable response of system indicators and vehicle indicators to inappropriate driving behavior. These are specifically in response to the use of a distracting device by the operator. These system responses result in drawing attention to the driver and implying inappropriate public behavior. The embarrassment, public pressure, and risk of damage to reputation or public image have a deterrent effect on the negative behavior. The unavoidable negative effects of attempting to use a mobile communications device by the operator while driving have both immediate and lasting consequences. An additional objective is to record the details of events encompassing distracted driving behavior for later review.

#Primary elements of the system correspond to a required need. The system detects a vehicle operator's attempts to use a mobile communications device such as a cell phone or tablet. Such use causes various audible and visual vehicle indicators to activate and make an otherwise hidden action prominently noticeable to the public. The minimum preferred embodiment detects the presence of a mobile communications device in the volume of real space where an operator sits when operating a motor vehicle. Another embodiment similarly detects the presence of a mobile communications device in the operator space and further recognizes engagement of the operator with the device. Coincident with movement of the vehicle, this engagement behavior causes a response by the system. Various embodiments are described to achieve these purposes.