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In this modern day and age, using mobile phones while driving is the cause of many accidents. For this reason, it is unsurprising that innovators are developing numerous methods to decrease this risk. For example, researchers in Canada have created machine learning software capable of detecting when drivers are using their mobile phones while driving. Another innovation to help minimize the probability of accidents is a Brazilian invention featuring a smart hat which keeps truck drivers awake. This device uses sound, light and vibration to prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Now, Volkswagen Sweden have come up with their own unique way to remind drivers not to use their phones. Their method serves as an eerie reminder of the damage caused by using mobile phones whilst driving.

Volkswagen Sweden teamed up with the metal artist Lennart Wintermyr in order to complete this project. Their collaboration features 153 phone case designs. Each case is made from the metal from cars written off after accidents caused from drivers using their phones. The number 153 is also significant. It refers to the number of crashes caused by texting and driving since the ban preventing this was introduced in Sweden in February 2018. The cases are handmade and numbered. Each case is unique and features the real-life dents and scratches caused by the crash. The cases can be ordered online for 70 USD. All profits go to the charity Trafikskadefonden which helps rehabilitate victims of car crashes. The company encourages people to purchase a phone case for someone they know needs reminding of the dangers of mobile phone use while driving.

It will be interesting to see to what extent this initiative affects the number of drivers texting while driving. It also serves as inspiration for other innovations which could help to keep us safe in the future. How else could technology and design minimize the risks associated with driving?