Published: 27th January 2008 | Author: www.metro.co.uk

The latest satnav device won't drive you to distraction – instead, it simply draws the route on the road.

Virtual Cable places a 3D red line on the windscreen, guiding you around twists and turns until you reach your final destination.

There is no need to turn down the radio to hear an irritating voice giving you directions, or to take your eyes off the road.

 

Based on technology used by fighter pilots, the head-up-display uses a complex system of laser, mirror and lenses to create the image through the windscreen and in the driver's natural field of sight.

The device is installed behind the dashboard and can connect to existing satnav kits.

Manufacturer Making Virtual Solid says its product is safer than a normal satnav and will cost £200. A company spokesman said: 'The Virtual Cable is the only route guidance display that allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving at all times.

'Only the driver's peripheral vision is needed to follow the Virtual Cable. The driver does not have to interpret audio commands or translate map symbology.

'Current navigation systems are inherently unsafe. They require either the reading and interpreting of map data or the comprehension and interpretation of audio commands describing the road ahead.'

Whether this new system will prevent drivers from heading into dead ends, water hazards or roads that are too narrow is yet to be seen.