The University of Utah in the US has developed new traffic safety technology that helps drivers be more attentive on the road.

The steering wheel mounted touch-based devices rely on two IBM ThinkPad TrackPoint buttons, which move about 1mm clockwise (for going right) or counterclockwise (for going left).

The system provides drivers with directional cues by tugging their finger tips and prevents them from using a mobile phone whilst on the move.

The tactile navigation device also provides information to the driver without interfering with the basic information they typically need to drive safely, such as listening to the noise of traffic.

The University said the new devices will help motorists and hearing-impaired people drive more safely and could also help those with vision impairments.

Blind pedestrians can use the devices when walking with a cane as it provides directional cues to the user’s thumb.