Strategy #48
Fatigue Detection
Encourage the use of self-contained in-car devices to detect fatigued drivers.
Background
All drivers experience fatigue and sleep deprivation at one time or another. Exhaustion has been identified as a particular problem for shift workers. Law enforcement agencies, whose officers work various shifts, are also susceptible to driving while fatigued.
Action
- Track the development of self-contained in-car fatigue detection devices and consider testing in police agency vehicles.
- If the devices prove effective, encourage their use in passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.
Benefits
- Alerts drivers to take a break or a nap when their eyes droop or stay closed too long.
- Reduce the number of collisions, fatalities, and injuries.
- May be helpful in reducing fatigue-induced commercial vehicle collisions.
Other Considerations
- Cost of the technology.
- Accuracy and reliability of technology.