New Cars Equipped with AI to Detect Driver Distractions and Road Rage
By Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent
Published: January 31, 2025
AI technology in cars can now identify if the driver is on their phone.
Driving while distracted, a dangerous practice contributing to countless accidents and fatalities, may soon become a thing of the past. Thanks to advancements in in-cabin camera technology, cars are now equipped with AI that can monitor driver behavior in real-time. These systems can detect a range of factors, from phone use and smoking to whether a driver is wearing a seatbelt or showing signs of drowsiness or even road rage.
Two cameras, strategically placed on the steering wheel and within the rearview mirror, scan the vehicle’s interior using sophisticated AI. The primary function is to ensure the driver maintains focus on the road, particularly as vehicles become increasingly semi-autonomous. The use of AI also extends to monitoring the driver’s mood, enabling the car to identify moments of potential anger or frustration.
These features are set to become mandatory in all new cars in continental Europe from next year, marking a significant step towards enhancing road safety and reducing accidents caused by driver behavior. The technology has the potential to alert drivers to dangerous habits, promote safer driving practices, and contribute to a substantial decrease in the number of traffic-related fatalities.
