From the blink of an eye to the steering grip! Know how the driver attention warning system of a car works and how major accidents are avoided. Driver attention warning system – ..

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Apart from high speed and carelessness, the biggest and most overlooked reason behind road accidents is driver fatigue and microsleep in a moving vehicle. While traveling long distances on highways and expressways, closing your eyes even for a few seconds can prove fatal. To eliminate this risk, the modern automobile industry has made cars so smart and sensitive that now the car itself live monitors every movement of the driver’s body, facial expressions and his grip on the steering wheel.

This life-saving technology has been brought to the automotive world. Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Driver Monitoring System (DMS) Or Drowsiness Detection System (DDS) It is said. This system immediately alerts the driver by sounding an alarm at multiple levels in case of even the slightest loss of alertness.

A high-definition picture behind the steering column, dashboard or rear-view mirror of modern premium and mass-market cars Infrared (IR) driver-facing camera It is applied. This camera works together with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision algorithms.

  • Eye-blink rate: The system continuously measures whether the driver is blinking at a normal rate or whether his eyes are closing for longer than normal (1 to 2 seconds).

  • Gaze Tracking: If the driver is continuously looking at the mobile screen or staring to the side for too long instead of paying attention to the road in front, the camera detects the distraction by the direction of his pupils.

  • Head-drop: When the driver’s neck bends forward or to the side while blinking, 3D facial mapping technology immediately detects this abnormal posture.

  • Work even in darkness and glasses: Since it works on infrared night-vision technology, it is capable of providing accurate monitoring even in dark nights or when the driver is wearing sunglasses.

The car not only sees the face, but also continuously analyzes the driver’s driving behavior through the steering wheel:

  • Sudden and Jerky Steering Input: When a driver is tired, he tries to straighten the car suddenly instead of taking a smooth turn. The steering angle sensor records hundreds of data points per second and if the steering pattern is found to be irregular, it is considered a sign of fatigue.

  • Hands-Off Detection (HOD): Capacitive touch sensors are installed inside the steering wheel. If the driver has taken both hands off the steering wheel or is holding it casually with just one finger, the system alerts to immediately place the hands back on the steering wheel within 5 to 10 seconds.

A front-facing camera mounted on the car’s windshield continuously tracks the white and yellow ‘lane markings’ of the road.

If the car is repeatedly wandering out of its lane without giving an indicator or the vehicle is moving in a zig-zag (Z-pattern), then the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) immediately senses that the driver is losing control. Along with this, the driving duration of the vehicle is also tracked; Usually after continuous driving for more than 2 hours the system automatically starts suggesting taking a break.

As soon as the system detects driver fatigue or disorientation, the car issues an immediate warning in three different ways:

  1. Visual Alert: A flashing ‘Coffee Cup’ symbol appears on the digital instrument cluster and head-up display (HUD) and a message appears on the screen—“Take a Break!” Or “Driver Attention Warning: Please Rest”.

  2. Audio Beeps (Acoustic Chime): A shrill and repetitive alarm starts sounding in the cabin, instantly waking up the driver in case of a nap.

  3. Haptic Feedback: Strong vibration starts in the steering wheel and driver seat. Also, the seatbelt is slightly tightened by means of a motor (Pre-tensioner Tug), so that the driver becomes completely physically alert.

If the driver does not respond despite visual, sound and vibration warnings (such as in the case of sudden loss of consciousness or heart attack), modern ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) Cars equipped with go into emergency protection mode:

  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Automatically keeps the car in the middle of the lane.

  • Hazard lights on: All four indicators of the vehicle automatically light up so that other vehicles coming behind and nearby can be informed about the danger.

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Safe Stop: The car gradually reduces its speed and stops safely on the roadside, applies the parking brake and sends an SOS alert with location to nearby emergency services and family members through an emergency call (e-Call).

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