# Anti-Sleep Steering Wheels This Steering Wheel System Could Help Detect Driver Fatigue By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-04-27 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driver-fatigue References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/steering-wheel-driver-drowsiness/31785/) & [news.wsu.edu](https://news.wsu.edu/2014/04/22/wsu-innovation-improves-drowsy-driver-detection/) Driver fatigue is known to be one of the leading causes of [traffic accidents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collision-prevention-system), which implies that prevention and early [detection of driver fatigue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incabin-monitoring-system) could go a long way to reducing the incidence of car crashes. A team of researchers and engineers from Washington State University Spokane have developed a steering wheel system that detects fatigue and drowsiness using inexpensive electronics. The system works on the basis that variability in steering wheel movement is a great indicator fatigue. Relatively small amounts of steering wheel variability predict the onset of driver fatigue, before things get to the point where a car is drifting and swerving out of its lane. This ingenious and potentially life-saving steering wheel system could be built into new cars or easily installed as an after-purchase accessory. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Driver Fatigue Detection:** Opportunity for developing innovative technologies and systems to detect and prevent driver fatigue. - **Inexpensive Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create affordable and accessible fatigue detection systems for vehicles. - **After-purchase Accessories:** Potential for creating aftermarket products that can be installed in existing vehicles to detect driver fatigue. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Opportunity for car manufacturers to integrate fatigue detection systems into their vehicles for improved safety. - **Electronics:** Opportunity for electronics companies to develop and manufacture inexpensive fatigue detection systems for the automotive industry. - **Automotive Accessories:** Potential for accessory manufacturers to create and market fatigue detection systems that can be easily installed in existing vehicles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [In-Car Stress-Reducing Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harman-ready-care.md) - [Drunk Driving Detection Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drunk-driving-detection.md) - [Touch-Sensitive Steering Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cercle-steering-wheel-concept.md) - [AI-Powered Steering Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-steering-system.md) - [Folding Ergonomic Steering Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steering-wheel-concept.md) - [Road-Monitoring Cyclist Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-driver-assistance-system.md) - [Truck-Specific Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driver-assistance-system.md) - [Intoxication-Indicating AI Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drunkdriving-detection.md) - [Slumber-Inducing Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-devices.md)