Volvo Tests Distracted Driver Detection System

Mar 27, 2014 | Consumer Alerts

The automaker Volvo has started building test vehicles with safety technology that senses when a driver becomes distracted. The Volvo test cars are equipped with electronic sensors that use infrared light to determine where the driver is looking by monitoring head and eye position, according to a report at TwinCities.com. If the driver’s eyes are not on the road or if the driver looks out a side window or nods off, the car’s automatic safety systems may deploy.

The Volvo distraction monitor is a dashboard-mounted device that can be integrated with the car’s other crash-avoidance technology, such as automatic braking and electronic stability control, to prevent traffic collisions. The device does not record video, and Volvo said the device cannot be used for electronic monitoring of drivers and passengers.

The company is looking for other applications of the gaze-monitoring sensor device. For instance, engineers hope that the technology can help drivers with disabilities by using data it collects to adjust seats, mirrors, and possibly the steering column.

Volvo is also exploring sensor-adjusted lighting — the car would determine the driver’s height and gaze and then adjust its headlights automatically to maximize visibility.

Electronic sensor technology, GPS, and other devices gather data about users and their habits, and some consumers view connectivity as a mixed blessing. OnStar, for instance, has drawn fire because its modems sometimes continue to gather data about the location of a vehicle even after the customer cancels OnStar service. Facebook also attracted criticism from electronic privacy advocates for requiring some users to give the company permission to take partial control of mobile devices and to suck up data from the user’s account.

Volvo is trying to deliver a message to consumers that its new sensor tech does not create permanent records. It simply gathers data in real-time and delivers it to the relevant safety features of the car. Given the distracted driving epidemic, the device may have a lot to offer busy consumers who want to drive safely and would welcome some help in avoiding car crashes.

Distracted driving wrecks in Virginia and around the nation caused by looking at cellphones to text, email, or use apps could be averted if our cars alerted us of danger on the road ahead. “Too often people don’t realize how dangerous it is to look away from the road for just two seconds. It can be deadly,” says Janet Brookings, the president of Drive SMART Virginia. Volvo said it hopes to capitalize on public awareness of distracted driving and in the process save lives.

One potential drawback of Volvo’s device is that it does nothing to prevent cognitive distraction on the road. Even hands-free mobile devices can be a dangerous distraction. Nonetheless, Volvo said it is excited about the distraction sensor and the company can integrate the monitoring system with existing models so drivers with older Volvos can get in on the product. Volvo plans to roll out the distracted driving sensor after testing.

Hurt in a VA car crash? Contact an auto accident lawyer in Richmond, VA at Geoff McDonald & Associates. 

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Vaping and the E-Cigarette Industry; A National Epidemic

    Sleek and minimalist in the design, with a wide variety of flavors and portable chargers able to be discretely plugged into USB-ports; there’s an undeniable convenience behind the technology that fuels ‘vaping’ and the booming e-cigarette industry. Initially promoted...

    Mold Illness: Know the Facts About Toxic Mold

    If there is a mold problem in your home, school, or work place, it can cause serious illness. Children, the elderly, and those with allergies and asthma are most at risk, but anyone can suffer from toxic mold syndrome (TMS). But did you know there are different types...

    Mold Exposure Damages Claims in Virginia

    Mold growth inside living spaces is unhealthy. Apartments, schools, work spaces, offices, and homes that lack proper ventilation and have chronic, undetected (or sudden accidental) water leaks create a damp indoor space that can cause health problems resulting from...

    Hepatitis A Cases in Virginia Linked to Popular Smoothie Chain

    A recent string of Hepatitis A cases in Virginia may be linked to strawberries from popular chain Tropical Smoothie Café. A local NBC affiliate reports that frozen strawberries sourced from Egypt may be to blame, according to the Virginia Department of Health....

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald