The 2016 Nissan Maxima, debuting at the New York International Auto Show, is equipped with Nissan's proprietary Driver Attention Alert system which detects drowsiness in drivers. The technology was unveiled to mark Drowsy Driving Awareness Day on April 6.
The system works by monitoring the drivers' driving behaviour and alerting them if they appear to show signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness by sounding a chime and flashing an amber light with the message "Take a break?" on the dashboard display. Monitoring revolves around steering angle sensors that record the driver's baseline steering patterns, before comparing them to current patterns after taking into account lane changes, braking, poor road conditions and other variables. If after taking all this into account the driver's performance still seems poor, the system sounds an alert.
While drunk driving and distracted driving are given plenty of attention, the epidemic of drowsy driving somehow flies under the radar despite being just as dangerous. The 2016 Nissan Maxima shows how automakers can proactively tackle the blight of drowsy driving.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Drowsiness-detecting Cars
- Automakers are developing technology to detect drowsiness in drivers, increasing road safety.
- Driver Attention Alert System
- Automotive safety systems are being developed and installed in cars to alert drowsy or inattentive drivers to take a break.
- Drowsy Driving Awareness Day
- Annual awareness events are being held to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and promote technology solutions.
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- Automakers can benefit from developing and implementing drowsiness-detecting technology to increase road safety.
- Transportation
- Transportation companies can invest in drowsiness-detecting technology to ensure their drivers are alert and safe on the road.
- Healthcare
- Healthcare providers can collaborate with automakers to develop technologies that detect drowsy driving and prevent accidents.
