In two years, new cars will detect driver fatigue

The new EU rules will require new cars sold from 2024 to have a system to detect driver fatigue at the wheel.

It is known that most driving accidents are due to driver error, and driving fatigue contributes to many of these errors. If driving fatigue is eliminated, accidents will be significantly reduced, and that is what is intended with the new European regulations.

Many driving “aids” are already installed in cars today. The distance to the vehicle in front, lane maintenance while driving, assisted braking, etc… are controlled. The aids are varied and will increase to get closer to more or less autonomous driving.

But while we drive, the issue of fatigue affects us all, and when it occurs, it significantly reduces our ability to react, and consequently accidents are generated more easily.

The way to detect driver fatigue is through sensors placed inside the car that monitor our face (especially our eyes) and our body gestures, to observe the signs of fatigue that can lead to an accident.

Upon detecting the onset of signs of fatigue, the driver is alerted (audio and other warnings) to stop the vehicle and rest. From there, it is up to him to stop long enough to be able to drive again.

And there are already companies that offer this type of system, and some high-end cars have it installed, but the vast majority still don’t. But this will change in two years for the good of all.

Although not everyone accepts it willingly, especially because of the issue of people's privacy. In order for this privacy to be respected, the information generated by the sensors must remain in the car, and not be extracted by anyone except as necessary in the event of an accident.

These systems do not have to be very expensive, since they are based on a few cameras and a computer that processes and stores the images. The cameras today are very cheap, and the processor system will not be expensive especially if millions of units are manufactured. Mass production lowers prices very quickly.

Let's hope that in addition to appearing on new cars, kits will be offered to install them on cars already in circulation. It is a security measure to be taken into account by all.