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Why I Put a Fidget Toy on a Steering Wheel

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A 3-year journey into tackling "distracted driving" by studying the nature of distraction itself. My name is HJ LEE, and I'm the creator of the Fidget Steer Grip. When I first pitched this idea, nearly everyone asked me the same question: "You want people to play with something while they drive? Isn't that dangerous?" It’s a perfectly reasonable question. After all, the cardinal rule of road safety is to minimize distractions. This article is my answer to that question and a transparent look into the philosophy that drove this product's creation. I'm not here to persuade you. I'm here to share my process, hoping to earn your understanding. The Problem Began With a Simple Observation: People Fidget While Driving. I'm a driver, just like you. I also have a close friend with ADHD who finds long drives agonizing, and a family member who struggles with severe driving anxiety. Watching them over the years, I noticed a common, paradoxical behavior: ...

Part 2: Calm at Your Fingertips — How a Fidget Device Can Help Drivers with ADHD and Anxiety

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In Part 1, we explored why “just focus” isn’t enough for neurodivergent drivers. Now let’s dive into how tactile stimulation can actually support emotional regulation and sustained attention behind the wheel. 🧠 Why Touch Matters Sensory Grounding Tactile input from the fingertips provides continuous physical feedback to the brain, anchoring attention in the present moment. Nervous System Regulation Touch activates the parasympathetic nervous system (calming) and suppresses the sympathetic system (stress response), helping reduce anxiety. Redirecting Motor Energy Instead of suppressing restless hand movements, tactile devices channel them into intentional, controlled actions that promote self-regulation.

Part 1: Why “Just Focus” Isn’t Enough — Rethinking Driving for ADHD & Anxiety

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Focus Behind the Wheel: Insights from KIMYO WORKS for Neurodiverse Drivers “Just keep your hands on the wheel.” “Relax and concentrate.” “You’re overthinking it.” If you’ve heard these phrases before, you’re not alone. For neurotypical drivers, they might sound like helpful reminders. But for those living with ADHD or driving-related anxiety, they can feel more like dismissals than solutions. Let’s be honest: focus isn’t a choice—it’s a challenge. And when the road demands your full attention, but your brain is wired for stimulation, tension builds fast. 🧠 The Problem: A System Not Built for Neurodiverse Minds Modern driving environments are designed with assumptions—assumptions that all drivers process information the same way, regulate emotions similarly, and respond predictably under stress. But ADHD drivers often experience: Sensory overload from traffic, noise, and visual clutter Motor restlessness , leading to fidgeting or hand movement Executive function fatigue , making susta...