A new drowsy-driver detection system monitors drivers' steering movements when a car is moving. Source: Herald Sun
A DROWSY-driver detection system could save dozens of lives a year by waking up motorists who have fallen asleep at the wheel.
The Traffic Accident Commission in Victoria says the new safety feature could cut accidents by 20 per cent and should become standard in new cars within five years.
Fatigue was one of the biggest killers on our roads, said Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, who welcomed the trial of the technology.
Developed by Bosch Australia, it monitors drivers' steering movements when a car is moving.
Alert drivers make constant minor adjustments to correct their steering, but when they tire steering corrections become more dramatic and less frequent.
The system, which will be unveiled today, warns drivers when they display symptoms of drowsiness by either vibrating the seat or steering wheel. A bell or light can also be fitted.
Bosch Australia projects and marketing manager Mark Jackman said the system worked by using existing stability control.
"The steering angle sensor measures down to 0.1 of a degree - it can detect the smallest movement," Mr Jackman said. "Normally, drivers slightly adjust the steering wheel all the time when they are driving.
"But when a driver becomes drowsy these become much larger movements, and less frequently - and a driver wakes up again and winds down the window and turns the radio up.
"But this system is no substitute for stopping and taking a break."
Bosch was hoping car companies would install the system in new cars.
The TAC has been working with Bosch for 12 months to develop the technology, which is available in some European cars.
TAC spokesman John Thompson said it was also testing a system that used cameras to monitor where a car was moving in relation to the white lines.
"I would imagine that these sorts of lane-departure and steering-assist technologies will be more common in vehicles within five years," he said.
Assistant Commissioner Hill said: "Technological advancements have the potential to provide all sorts of road safety innovations."
Roads Minister Terry Mulder said: "It's good to see the TAC is trying to be innovative on this issue."
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