Trial could pave way for eye tests to nab tired drivers

CAMERAS will scan motorists for signs of fatigue in an Australian-first trial to create a breathalyser for the human eye.

The groundbreaking research project, started by VicRoads and Monash University, will use hi-tech equipment to measure the pupils of motorists and look for signs of tiredness.

Researchers will use the findings of the year-long trial to develop the country’s first roadside fatigue detection test.

The technology, if successful, would be the next frontier in road safety.

Police would be able to pull over a driver behaving erratically and check their eyes for fatigue in a similar way to existing tests for alcohol and drugs.

Cameras could even be used to scan drivers’ eyes while they are on the road.

Last year, Victoria Police supported the concept and have been watching research breakthroughs closely to see if the technology could be adopted.

VicRoads road user and vehicle access director Roger Chao said a roadside eye test would save lives.

“Roadside tests for drugs and alcohol have helped take impaired drivers off our roads — we want to see if a roadside fatigue test could have similar results and help keep all road users safe,” he said.

Driver fatigue is believed to be a cause in about 20 per cent of all road crashes in Victoria and is a major problem for authorities working to bring down the road toll.

Participants in the trial will be deprived of sleep for up to 32 hours and their eyes will be monitored before, during and after a two-hour drive.

They will be accompanied by a qualified driving instructor in a dual control vehicle.

Associate Professor Clare Anderson, of Monash University, said early tests of the technology had already been successful.

“We know technology can detect changes in the pupil based on a person’s fatigue level,” she said.

“The next step is to determine how well this technology correlates with poor driving by drivers who we know are tired.”

In the past scientists have also measured the duration of blinks and eye movements while developing methods to detect tired drivers.

The first round of trials is expected to take place next month.