Nissan Aims to Box Out Distracted Driving

Nissan Motor Co. is developing a device that blocks cell phone signals to help curb distracted driving.

Users must place their phones in a center console-mounted box for the system to work.

The so-called Signal Shield operates like a Faraday cage by using a conductive woven metal mesh to cancel magnetic waves. British scientist Michael Faraday invented the technology, which also is used in microwave ovens, in the mid-1830s.

The system blocks all cellular, wi-fi and Bluetooth signals when the phone is in the box and the lid is closed. But drivers can still use their smartphones to play music via a USB or auxiliary cord when it is in the Signal Shield box, according to Nissan.