Driver monitoring systems with cameras or steering wheel detection have become increasingly common to combat distracted driving. New AAA research shows that while the technology isn't foolproof, systems with a driver-facing camera perform best when it comes to keeping drivers alert.
Active driving assistance systems are frequently referred to as semi-autonomous because they help you accelerate, brake and steer your car. AAA recently drove four popular makes and models on a California highway in real-world conditions to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems. Vehicles equipped with camera-based driver monitoring systems were significantly better at preventing distracted driving by issuing alerts faster and more persistently, regardless of external lighting conditions.
- Camera-based systems alerted disengaged drivers 50 seconds earlier than steering wheel detection when the driver was looking down, head forward, hands off the wheel.
- Camera-based systems only allowed for 2.25 minutes of distraction, while steering wheel monitoring systems allowed for 5.5 minutes.
- On average, camera-based systems were better at keeping drivers focused on driving than steering wheel monitoring systems.
“While advanced driving assistance technology has the potential to improve roadway safety, we know it requires additional development to make it safer for all drivers," said Matt Alfano, vice president of Mobility Innovation. “That’s why we’re committed to testing advanced driving technologies in a safe setting at our proving ground GoMentum Station.“
Methodology
AAA conducted naturalistic driving evaluations on a 24-mile loop on a limited-access toll road in Southern California. AAA chose four vehicles for testing, two of each driver monitoring design type, camera-equipped, and steering-wheel input. Each simulated driver distraction test lasted 10 minutes and employed three techniques. All test drivers and safety spotters were AAA researchers.
Aldo Vazquez is a spokesperson for AAA Arizona.
