Mapping technology company HERE Technologies has developed a smartphone app that turns a phone into an in-car advanced driver assistance system.

The Live Sense SDK uses the phone’s forward-facing camera to detect and point out everyday hazards such as other vehicles braking ahead, pedestrians and cyclists in close proximity, dangerous weather conditions, roadworks, speed limits, pot holes and road closures.

Drivers are given audible and visual alerts of these hazards, but they remain in control of the vehicle at all times.

The company says it makes older cars without built-in systems safer. Co-founder and CTO, Roberto Sicconi, says: “Live Sense is a very nice way of democratising driving assist. This is one of the best solutions I can think of.”