Intra-vehicular mobile device usage detection system and method of using the same

A mobile device usage detection system for use with vehicles comprising:

• a signal detection unit configured to detect mobile device signals at frequencies corresponding to usage of mobile devices, said signal detection unit comprising one or more antennae positioned within subject vehicles to detect mobile device signals attributable to mobile device usage by drivers of vehicles;
• a memory unit in communication with said signal detection unit to store signal data acquired by said signal detection unit;
• a time recording unit for associating a time with each detected mobile device signal;
• and
• a signal analyzing unit configured to analyze signal data acquired by said signal detection unit to determine whether or not signals detected by said signal detection unit correspond to mobile device usage of a driver of a vehicle, said signal analyzing unit further configured to receive the signal data from said memory unit.

A method of detecting mobile device usage within a driver area of a vehicle comprising:

• detecting mobile device signals at frequencies corresponding to usage of mobile devices within a vehicle;
• associating a time with detected mobile device signals;
• and
• analyzing said detected mobile device signals to determine whether or not detected mobile device signals correspond to mobile device usage of a driver of a vehicle.

A method of detecting mobile device usage within a driver area of a vehicle comprising:

• pre-programming a processor with a list of known mobile device signal frequencies;
• positioning one or more antennae within said vehicle to detect signals corresponding to mobile device usage in a driver area of the vehicle;
• sweeping an interior of the vehicle for signals corresponding to mobile device usage;
• analyzing detected mobile device signals to determine whether or not detected mobile device signals correspond to mobile device usage of a driver of a vehicle;
• and
• upon confirming a signal detected during the sweep which matches a frequency on said list of known mobile device frequencies and a signal strength profile, recording the time during which said signal is active.