Tech helps ensure drivers stay awake at the wheel
Safety features designed to prevent collisions appearing on a wider range of vehicles
Last year, more than 5,000 people died as a result of drowsy drivingrelated accidents on U.S. roads. Furthermore, more than 60 per cent of drivers in America have admitted to driving while drowsy.
Statistics like that have been gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the States over the past few years and it shines a light on a problem that is as egregious as drinking and driving.
The agency says that a drowsy driver will exhibit poor attention to detail, reaction times, judgment and decision making, leading to a greater chance of a collision.
Since drowsy drivers, like drivers under the influence of alcohol, tend to make poor judgment calls, they’re unable to realize the possible effects of their actions and don’t actually realize they’re impaired.
Fortunately, automakers are including features that make it perfectly clear that taking a rest might be a better idea than driving.
These features debuted in Mercedes-Benz cars in 2009 and are now common in higher-end luxury models. More mainstream vehicles are getting in on this huge and important safety feature, too.
Nissan features its Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system in the new Maxima and Murano, while Toyota has a similar system in cars equipped with its Toyota Safety Sense P system.
Toyota says that 25 out of its 30 cars will offer this system by 2017.
Each system works differently. Nissan’s system monitors the driver’s behaviour and sets a benchmark. If the driver begins to stray from that benchmark, it will alert them that they’re driving erratically.
“Nissan’s DAA system adapts to each individual driver,” says Paige Presley from Nissan’s Technology Communications team.
“DAA monitors steering input patterns (using steering angle sensors) during a period of driving to establish a baseline.
“It continuously compares subsequent driving patterns to a baseline using a statistical analysis of steering correction errors.”
When the system notices the driver is not as engaged or active, it alerts them via an audible chime and message on the dashboard that suggests they take a break.
“The DAA includes logic to help address false detection, road curvatures, lane changes, braking and even poor road conditions,” Presley says.
Hyundai has an interesting feature in its Genesis vehicles that measures the CO2 levels in the cabin.
According to Hyundai’s engineers, higher carbon dioxide levels are caused by occupants’ breathing, and too much of it can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times. When the CO2 levels reach a certain level, the car automatically adjusts the climate control to let in fresh air.
Beyond just alerts
Toyota vehicles with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSSP) feature a huge array of crash mitigation and alert systems including pre-collision system and a lane departure warning system.
Both are huge players when it comes to cutting down on accidents involving drowsy drivers.
“Vehicles equipped with TSSP vehicle feature a sway warning system,” notes Brian Williams from Toyota’s Safety Sense team. “They look at a number of inputs from the driver and can tell if the driver is driving abnormally.”
In this sense, it’s like other systems out there, but Toyota explains that the system can also tell how many times other assistance systems have been triggered, like if you’re often swaying out of the lane or if the automatic braking system is going off too many times.
Too many strikes and the car will suggest you take a break.
These kind of alert systems are becoming more common in new cars, but safety features aren’t always the most exciting thing to talk about.
Educating buyers about safety
“We’re looking at engaging customers at events that incorporate demonstrating Toyota Safety Sense and the pre-collision systems in a safe environment,” Williams says.
“It is on us to provide more information than just the rating on the Monroney (U.S. new car window sticker). There’s a lot to learn and a lot of cool technology to show customers.”
Active safety
Some customers may not be inter- ested in such nannying features, but after some education about how important they can be, drivers will begin to expect it in future vehicles.
“It’s a driver support system. It’s something that needs to be on all cars on the road,” Williams says.
In the past, safety systems were passive. Cars were designed to protect you when you get into an accident. Now, they’re designed to prevent accidents and reduce the damage and injuries if a collision is unavoidable.
From there, Toyota says the next step is to make the world around the car safer, too.
“Look at pedestrian safety systems,” Williams says. “Cars have become safer for the driver and occupants, and now it’s moving onto the next step which is how to help other people on the road.”