Sleep risk of driverless car

DRIVERLESS cars risk lulling those behind the wheel into a false sense of security — and even to sleep, scientists warn.

With some models able to stay in their lane or keep a safe distance from traffic, manufacturers are pushing for more automation as Google leads the way in completely driverless cars.

But alertness in the driver’s seat is necessary in case a car or pedestrian get in the way and action needs to be taken.

Researchers from Stanford University in the US found that, of 48 students told to monitor the road and car while in the driver’s seat, 13 began to nod off and so could not pay attention.

However, when made to focus on a screen of words or video while in the car, only three of the students fell asleep.