March 23, 2017
Weather conditions will always raise red flags in drivers, but sometimes there are other dangers on the road that drivers may not be prepared to tackle. One of the biggest issues that many drivers face throughout the year is feeling sleepy behind the wheel, whether as a result of poor resting habits or an extended stay at the office the day before. Driving without proper rest can leave drivers feeling drained and exhausted, which can lead to reduced stopping distances and decreased visibility. Though both rain and snow can make this worse, if the driver is not prepared to plan ahead for their drive, they may find themselves dozing off behind the wheel, which can cause problems for everybody on the road. Fortunately, new car technology can provide individuals with a way to stay awake on the road, reducing all types of risk factors behind the wheel.
Some of the most helpful types of safety features include drowsy driver systems that are designed to warn drivers of all types of issues on the road. Though relatively new, these systems can monitor all types of inputs, from the rate of steering wheel correction to the amount of time driving on the road without taking a break. All of this data is collected and assessed, and if the vehicle determines that the driver may be at risk, it releases a notification that alerts the driver and tells them that it is time to take a rest stop somewhere.
This primary system is already available with a number of auto manufacturers, and many systems even take the initial applications a step further. Through the alert control center, some systems can provide drivers with more information on where they can take a break from driving. The system uses advanced algorithms to determine when the driver needs to pull over and then makes careful plans to make sure that drivers do not continue aimlessly in their fatigued state. These advanced options can help reduce accidents in all types of road conditions.
Through the use of less sophisticated systems, drivers can also improve their visibility by applying blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and even parking sensors in order to keep the driver alert on the road. These systems can be fine-tuned to set off a beep or an alarm if they notice that the driver has been driving on the road irregularly, effectively helping reduce the risk of accidents due to drowsiness.