DS Anti-Fatigue Monitoring to Boost Safety
DS Automobiles has pledged to bring in sophisticated driver fatigue monitoring technology ahead of European mandates due in 2022.
The introduction of new laws passed earlier this year will make driver drowsiness and distraction warning mandatory on all new cars across the EU. Now the premium spin-off of PSA’s Citroën will install its version of the monitoring system to warn against tiredness or distraction across its range.
The system is already available on DS 7 Crossback and combines a pair of infrared cameras focused on the driver with continuous vehicle position monitoring. Driver-facing cameras, mounted above the steering wheel and at the top of the windscreen, monitor three key physical signs of distraction or drowsiness; movement of the eyes, eyelids or neck. If any of these are detected, an audible alert is set off and a warning notice appears on the digital instrumentation display. At the same time, vehicle position monitoring constantly tracks the car in relation to road markings and warns the driver with an audible alert if there are any sudden or unexpected steering movements.
Head of product, Vince Clisham said: “Distracted and tired drivers are a serious safety threat on roads across the UK and it is the cause of thousands of accidents a year, with some ending in fatalities.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
