Technology is improving to help keep drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Researchers in England are looking to combine high-speed eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) brain recording to get an understanding for what is happening in the brain while the eyes are moving. This understanding will allow drivers to be notified when they are dozing off to prevent car accidents.
Electroencephalography involves placing sensors on a person’s scalp to record the electrical murmurs of the neurons inside the brain. EEG is measured while also watching the movements of the eye. This technology can be used to detect signs of sleepiness in a driver, look for odd brain activity based on normal characteristics, and erratic eye movements showing the driver is nearing a state of sleep.
Fatigue has been the cause of about 20% of the motor accidents in England, and is also a very significant factor in accidents in the United States and Australia. Although systems that use eye-tracking to detect sleepy drivers has already been developed, adding a system that monitors brain activity will improve detection and help decrease the number motor accidents.
Until this technology is improved and released to the public, proven short term methods to reduce the chances of falling asleep at the wheel include drinking coffee, blasting music and stopping at a rest stop.
Be mindful of how you feel on the road to protect yourself and others. If you are unusually fatigued during the day and/or haven’t been getting good quality sleep for an extended period of time, please speak with your doctor today!
Comments are closed.