An Israeli company has developed the first ever eyes-free smartphone, allowing drivers to call, text, email and play music without looking away from the road.

Project RAY, a Herzliya-based group who also made the first smartphone for blind people, has modified that device to produce RayGo. The app, which is connected to a controller on the steering wheel, switches on when you start driving, reads your messages out and allows for voice control of your phone.

It also senses when the driver is speeding up or turning a corner, holding back notifications or speaking slowly to minimise the potential for distraction.

RayGo's Arielle Tayar admitted that "distracted driving is a problem", but that people would use their phone whether they were allowed to or not.

RayGo has raised three-quarters of its £20,000 goal through online crowdfunding, and plans to start production on the first batch of the device in September. One hundred and fifty cut-price versions have already been snapped up by eager contributors for around £30 each. The final app - which will be available on both Apple and Android phones - will cost £54.