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, and 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. (A)
Samenvatting