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Current Nhtsa Drowsy Driver R&D
Technical Paper
976030
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The NHTSA drowsy/fatigued driver research program focuses on the
development of a vehicle-based driver drowsiness detection and
warning system. NHTSA has developed a detailed concept of system
operation and is supporting R&D on detection algorithm
refinement, sensor development, and driver interface; i.e.,
advisory messages and alerting stimuli. A large system development,
test, and evaluation project is fabricating a field-testable
prototype for use in combination-unit trucks, obtaining
over-the-road data on system performance and useability.
In addition, ongoing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
R&D relating to larger classes of crashes will also have the
potential to reduce drowsy driver crashes. This includes ITS crash
countermeasure performance specification programs on single vehicle
roadway departure crashes and rear-end crashes, and the ITS concept
of Automatic Collision Notification which will speed the emergency
medical response to crashes in general.
NHTSA's research program also seeks to better assess the
driver drowsiness/fatigue problem. Recent analyses of NHTSA crash
databases have enhanced our understanding of crash characteristics
and, in particular, have led to better estimates of crash problem
size. Ultimately, however, direct observation of drivers using
in-vehicle monitoring devices will provide the most valid data on
driver drowsiness. NHTSA has developed, and is deploying, a
sophisticated, unobstrusive instrumentation suite in a fleet of
vehicles to obtain "real-world" data on safety-related
driver performance, behavior, and alertness.
Finally, the agency recognizes that technology is not the total
solution to driver drowsiness/fatigue. NHTSA's program
encompasses R&D on nontechnological approaches~i.e., public
information and education~to prevent these crashes. Ultimately,
these two approaches will have synergistic and, perhaps,
fundamental effects on the public's driving behavior and sleep
hygiene