New Technology to Reduce Drowsy Driving in Tucson

In mid-January 2012, a Tucson woman was fatally injured when the SUV she was driving drifted across the center line and struck oncoming traffic and then rolled over. While the exact cause of the accident was not reported, it did occur in the late afternoon, a time when many drivers may feel drowsy after a long day at work.

To help prevent accidents similar to this fatal Arizona car accident, automobile manufacturers are beginning to offer technologies that warn drivers when they are drifting in their lane. The technology would fight drowsy driving and keep vehicles tracking safely down the road.

Improvements in Vehicle Safety

The New York Times reports that as an option in its 2013 model-year vehicles, Ford is offering "lane-keeping technology" that helps vehicles stay in their lanes.

The new feature uses a camera to detect the lane lines and warns the driver when a lane line is approached without the turn signal engaged. When drifting is detected, the technology alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver does not make an effort to center the vehicle in the lane, the technology is able to use the vehicle's power steering to correct course. Similar technologies are offered by Lexus, Mercedes and Toyota.

Ford is also offering another new option called a "Driver Alert System," which detects signs of drowsy driving like weaving and then warns the driver that he or she may need to stop and rest. A chime and a warning display on the dashboard alert the driver. If the driver continues to show signs of drowsiness, the vehicle will continue to warn the driver.

These new technologies, while just beginning to be used by vehicle manufacturers, could reduce the number of accidents in Arizona and around the country.

Source: New York Times, "Trying to Nudge Drowsy Drivers," Randall Stross, Jan. 21, 2012.