New technology designed to combat the dangers of drowsy driving

April 11, 2014

Many residents of Bridgeport, Connecticut are aware that drinking and driving is unsafe. However, fewer realize that driving without getting enough sleep is almost equally as dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 2.5 percent of all fatal crashes are due to drowsy driving. But, it is expected that this number is conservative and between 5,000 to 6,000 fatal crashes every year may be caused by fatigued driving.

The scope of the problem

Even if a driver isn't fully asleep behind the wheel, being drowsy affects a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely because drowsiness:
- Slows a driver's reaction times to various driving situations.
- Makes drivers less attentive to what's going on around them.
- Affects a driver's ability to make crucial decisions.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teenagers get between 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep every night and adults get between seven to nine hours in order to function at their best.

A company's innovative solution

Despite the dangers of drowsy driving, many drivers do not get enough sleep every night based on their lifestyle and health. To eradicate fatal and injurious accidents caused by drowsy drivers, an Arizona company called Seeing Machines has developed an innovative solution, says KPHO. Their device monitors a driver by analyzing their face and tracking their blink rate. If the device suspects the driver is not paying attention, it sends out a warning.

In addition to this warning, the device also sends a snapshot of the driver's eyes to someone who is monitoring the system. If the monitor receives a snapshot of a driver showing signs of sleep deprivation, they then make a call to get that driver off the road. Even a motorist wearing sunglasses is no deterrent to this technology. No matter how dark the driver's sunglasses are, the monitor will continue to track the driver's ability to stay awake.

Right now, devices from this company are commonly used in the mining industry but the company has plans to implement their devices within vehicles in the next several years. Since this technology is not yet used in vehicles, drivers should do their part to avoid drowsy driving by pulling over and taking a nap if they get sleepy while driving, getting enough sleep before a long trip, scheduling breaks every two hours or 100 miles to get out of the car and walk around and travel with a passenger if possible.

Unfortunately, not every driver realizes that driving sleep deprived is a problem or takes necessary actions to prevent accidents when they start to feel sleep behind the wheel. If you were injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, contact an attorney who can protect your rights to fair and proper compensation.

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