Researchers from Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey may have the solution to one of driving’s most annoying mistakes —missed turns.
The team has equipped a standard steering wheel with a set of vibrating motors that alert you before a turn. The system connects to a GPS device and buzzes either left or right when you need to make a turn. Both motors will buzz when you are approaching a traffic circle.
According to the researchers, people who were distracted by a phone or someone else in the car made fewer mistakes with the vibrating system than without. It’s an interesting idea, but I’m not buying it. With my luck, I will be startled by the buzz and drive off the road, instead of making a nice, smooth turn. [New Scientist]