New Technology May Yield an Early Warning System for Drowsy Drivers

Researchers at Washington State University Spokane have developed a new detection method for nabbing drivers nodding off behind the wheel.

Their innovative, patented technology is based on steering wheel movements - which are usually more errant in drowsy drivers - and offers a reliable alternative to current video-based detection systems.

"Video-based systems that use cameras to detect when a car is drifting out of its lane are cumbersome and expensive," Hans Van Dongen, research professor at the WSU Sleep and Performance Research Center, said in a press release. "They don't work well on snow-covered or curvy roads, in darkness or when lane markers are faded or missing.

The science behind the invention was published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention.

During the study, 29 drivers were put in a simulated 10-day night shift schedule which induced moderate levels of fatigue. Their alertness during each of these four, 30-minute sessions was monitored using the widely known psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) test.

"We wanted to find out whether there may be a better technique for measuring driver drowsiness before fatigue levels are critical and a crash is imminent," Van Dongen said.

This technology would definitely be useful as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 2.5 percent of fatal crashes and 2 percent of injury crashes involve drivers falling asleep at the wheel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Steering wheel movements and variability in lane position were the top two factors in detecting lethargic motorists, the team found. This inexpensive, easy-to-install method - which uses tiny sensors to perceive variability in the steering wheel's position - is a step towards safer roads.

"Our invention provides a solid basis for the development of an early detection system for moderate driver drowsiness," Van Dongen concluded. It could also be combined with existing systems to extend their functionality in detecting severe driver drowsiness."