Apple has submitted an 11-page patent application detailing a safe touchscreen navigation system. Apple says that use of present navigation systems can force drivers to take their eyes off the road, resulting in a potentially hazardous condition. Apple further adds that most navigation systems don’t do much to stop this risky behavior of using navigation while driving.

In the patent application Apple proposes a smarter touchscreen navigation system to solve this problem. When the car is in motion the touchscreen will go in lockdown mode and the driver will be able to use the navigation system via voice command functionality. However, if a passenger is present in the car they will be allowed to interact with the touchscreen. The navigation system will judge who (driver or passenger) is using the system by angle of any ensuing touch input provided on the touch-sensitive display.

Apple also explains in the patent application use of biometric sensors, digital camera and wireless technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth, CDMA and GSM with the navigation system to give it more advanced features.  You can get more information about the patent application on AppleInsider.