Help found for sleepy drivers
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by David Harris • A computer program which will tell tired drivers when they need a break is being delivered to van maker Ford next month by researchers from Stirling University.
The program, developed by research fellow Kevin Swingler with funding from Ford, analyses steering patterns and speed to identify levels of tiredness.
By using this and other technology Ford eventually hopes to build in-cab systems to monitor driver alertness and increase safety in vans and trucks.
Swingler says: "We asked computers to study the steering of drivers who were getting tired to see if there were any identifiable patterns.
"The computer got better at detecting what sort of steering indicates loss of concentration."
Despite the success of the project Swingler still does not know exactly what happens to the steering of a tired driver.
He explains: "The computer has worked out what happens to the steering, but it is so complicated that we haven't yet. We just know that the program can recognise when drivers are tired."
The program would improve safety on Britain's roads, where human error, including tiredness, is believed to be responsible for 90% of accidents.
Maurice Britton, the Transport & General Workers Union northern region commercial officer, says: "It is good to hear about technology like this, but it treats the symptom of the problem rather than the cause.
"I would like to see tighter drivers' hours legislation to ensure that drivers don't get tired in the first place, says Britton."