Mercedes-Benz Introduces Warning System that Recognizes Driver Tiredness

Driver fatigue is a very dangerous condition, not only for you own life but also for you fellow road users. According to Mercedes-Benz, scientific studies show that around 25% of all serious accidents occurring on motorways are caused by overtired drivers. To deal with this problem Mercedes-Benz has developed a system called Attention Assist that is able to recognize driver fatigue at an early stage, and warn the driver that a break is called for soon. -Continued

The system that will enter series production in spring 2009 monitors the driving behavior of the driver in an attempt to recognize the transition from alertness to drowsiness. In addition to the vehicle speed and linear/lateral acceleration, the Attention Assist system also registers steering wheel movements, indicator and pedal operation, plus a number of specific control operations and external influences such as side winds or uneven road surfaces.

The system begins monitoring the driver from the moment he enters the vehicle using the data to compile an individual driver behavior pattern which is constantly compared with the current steering behavior and driving situation by the onboard electronic control unit. Once the system recognizes the typical signs of overtiredness it warns the driver by an acoustic signal and a display in the instrument cluster with a fairly straightforward advice: "Attention Assist. Break!"