A driver monitoring system, also known as Driver State Sensing (DSS), is a cutting-edge safety feature designed to detect driver fatigue or distraction. By using a dashboard-mounted camera, it can alert the driver to refocus on driving through a series of warnings and alerts.
Driver monitoring systems are quickly becoming a requisite on new vehicles due to regulatory and rating agency requirements. For instance, beginning in 2024, the European Union has made it compulsory to install DMS in all new vehicle models. The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) also awards points towards a 5-star rating if a vehicle is equipped with DMS.
The driver monitoring system, also referred to as the driver attention monitor, is an automotive safety feature that assesses the driver’s awareness and warns when necessary, and ultimately applies the brakes if needed. By using infrared sensors and a CCD camera attached to the steering column, the device keeps track of the driver’s attention. The technology will alert the driver using flashing lights and warning sounds if it detects a hazardous situation when they are not focusing on the road ahead.
FAQs
What is a driver monitoring system?
A driver monitoring system is a safety feature designed to alert drivers who may be distracted or fatigued while driving. It uses a dashboard-mounted camera to detect driver distraction and warns the driver with a series of alerts.
Is a driver monitoring system a standard feature on new cars?
Regulatory and rating agency requirements have made it mandatory to install driver monitoring systems on new cars. In 2024, the European Union has mandated that all new vehicle models be equipped with DMS.
How does a driver monitoring system work?
A driver monitoring system keeps track of the driver’s concentration using infrared sensors and a CCD camera. The technology will alert the driver using flashing lights and warning sounds if it detects a hazardous situation when the driver is not focusing on the road ahead.
