Car Insurance
New gadget combats drowsy drivers
Fri, 21 Apr 2006
A new gadget has been unveiled that stops drivers from falling asleep at the wheel on long car journeys.
The Driver Alertness Monitor uses a camera mounted on the dashboard and advanced face-recognition software to judge whether or not the driver has his eyes open, and will sound an alarm if they remain closed for longer than a few seconds.
The device's inventor, student Stephen Rackham, developed the device whilst studying in his final year at the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the University of Plymouth.
The device is currently undergoing trials, with the Department for Transport (DfT) taking a keen interest.
The device could prove extremely useful for car drivers embarking on long night-time journeys and could even bring down car insurance premiums by reducing the chances of an accident.
A recent motoring survey found that over half of the driving public put themselves and others at risk by driving when tired.
It is important to take regular breaks on long car journeys, stopping to take short 20 minute naps if necessary.
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