Fatigue is one of the main causes of fatal accidents on our roads – the third after alcohol and speed, in fact. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is also responsible for reminding us of this from time to time through various awareness campaigns.
From the simple loss of concentration to complete drowsiness, drowsy driving is a more widespread phenomenon than you think and can occur anywhere, anytime, whether the journey is short or long.
Fortunately, a growing number of modern vehicles are equipped with a detection system that warns the drowsy (or distracted) driver and invites him to stop for a break, a coffee or a drink and get back on the road once rests. But how does it work exactly?
Using an infrared camera installed in front of the driver (it can be on the steering column, near the dashboard or at the top of the windshield, for example), the system detects the usual signs of fatigue, such as eyes closing for a prolonged period, head nodding forward, or other erratic movements. It can sometimes analyze the entire face by monitoring a multitude of points according to very specific algorithms.
Volvo
In other cases, or in addition to this camera, the system uses sensors and another camera to monitor the road in front of the vehicle, remaining on the lookout for the slightest behavior that could indicate drowsiness at the wheel: drop in speed, pronounced deviations in the lane, etc.
So if the system detects that the driver is tired and not paying much attention to the road, it will emit an audible signal and a visual alert (sometimes a coffee cup icon on the dashboard) in order to capture their attention and invite him to take a break.
Nissan
If the driver does not react and the vehicle’s behavior becomes even more disturbing, the system can, depending on the model, increase the alerts, correct the direction or automatically apply the brakes for a short distance to wake the driver up.
When shopping for your next vehicle, new or used, find out if it is equipped with a system that detects fatigue and what exactly its capabilities are. But that being said, as effective and useful as technology can be, remember that there is no substitute for vigilance and foresight behind the wheel, which remain the best ways to prevent fatigue-related accidents.