New Monitoring Technology Can Pull a Car Over if the Driver Is Incapacitated
Some cars of the future may be able to take control in the event of a medical emergency or if the driver is drowsy or unresponsive, potentially preventing accidents and saving lives.
This technology could also open new possibilities for individuals with medical conditions that currently prevent them from driving.
This type of innovation is part of a growing effort to use technology to monitor drivers. A recent provision in the infrastructure bill calls for studying driver monitoring effectiveness.
While crashes stemming from driver medical events are rare, they can be severe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that even though only 1.3% of crashes they track involve a driver experiencing a medical emergency, those drivers are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries.
Drowsy driving is a more common issue. A 2018 AAA survey revealed that a third of respondents had driven in the past month while feeling too tired to stay alert. Although quantifying the exact number of crashes caused by fatigue is challenging, a 2018 AAA study that analyzed video of drivers before crashes determined that drowsiness caused 9.5 percent of them.
According to Bonnie Dobbs, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta, some medical conditions can lead to sudden emergencies causing a driver to lose control. “For instance, someone with epilepsy having a seizure or a diabetic who hasn’t taken their medication,” she told CR.
A Technological Solution
Many new vehicles sold in the U.S. can slow down within a lane if the driver becomes unresponsive, but they can’t pull over and call for help, nor can they diagnose the driver’s condition. Jake Fisher, senior director of CR’s auto test center, anticipates those features appearing soon.
“More and more new cars can now detect lanes and automate lane changes. Using this capability to protect a driver in an emergency is the logical next step,” he stated.
Early versions of these technologies are already in use in some regions. For instance, certain Volkswagen Arteon sedans sold in Europe, which have the Emergency Assist 2.0 feature, will turn on their hazard lights and pull over if the driver becomes unresponsive. The car will attempt to awaken the driver by sounding alarms and tapping the brakes before steering itself to the side of the road and stopping.
Mazda has announced it will launch its Co-Pilot system on new vehicles this year in Japan. Tamara Mlynarczyk, a Mazda spokesperson, told CR that the system continuously monitors driver performance. “In a potential emergency when the driver loses consciousness, the system is ready to intervene and assist the driver or pull the car over to a safer location,” she explained. On multi-lane roads, the car may be able to move to the shoulder.
Potential Benefits
Such features could allow people with certain chronic conditions affecting driving to operate vehicles safely in the future, provided these systems prove effective.
Consider epilepsy. People with epilepsy, who may experience seizures while driving, have an accident rate 1.13 to 2.16 times higher than the general population, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Many state motor vehicle agencies currently prohibit some individuals with epilepsy from driving.
Jacqueline French, MD, chief medical and innovation officer at the Epilepsy Foundation, said that drivers may not realize they are impaired. “Although some people may believe that they are aware, their awareness is actually clouded.”
Driver health monitoring systems that can detect an emergency and automatically pull a car over could, in theory, give people with epilepsy or other seizure-causing illnesses the opportunity to drive. However, state laws would need to change, requiring extensive research, according to French.
“No two seizures are alike, so a very large number of seizures would have to be assessed to determine if the technology was effective,” French said.
For other medical issues, particularly unexpected ones, such systems could automatically notify emergency services promptly, but the design of driver health monitoring technology should consider those who are expected to benefit, Dobbs said. “What would happen if the technology was needed and it was automatically implemented, and the person behind the wheel was unfamiliar with it and tried to override it?”
Tips for Safe Driving Today
Regardless of available technology, all drivers should recognize the dangers of drowsy driving. CR has a guide for staying alert while driving.
Jen Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s auto test center, who is an expert in senior driving safety, said that drivers can take steps to protect themselves from potential medical emergencies, particularly if they have a known condition that might affect them. These steps include:
- Pull over if you’re not feeling well. Stop the car if you feel lightheaded, drowsy, or dizzy. This is even more critical if you’re diabetic and suspect a hypoglycemic episode, Dobbs said.
- Review your medications. Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure and anxiety medications, can cause drowsiness. Talk to your doctor if you feel sleepy when driving.
- Keep your phone with you. Always take your phone when driving, even on short trips, so you can call for help if you need to pull over.
- Make sure the SOS button is active. Many newer vehicles have an SOS button to connect to emergency services. These buttons connect to a call center operator, who evaluates the situation and dispatches emergency services if necessary. Remember that millions of cars are losing this functionality in 2022 due to cellular network changes. Make sure your vehicle is not one of them. If your car lacks this feature, carrying your phone is even more critical.
- Consider sharing your location. Most smartphones allow you to share your location with trusted contacts. Otherwise, inform a friend or family member of your destination and expected return time. Sharing your route plan is also helpful, particularly in rural areas.
- Evaluate your driving. Consider alternatives to driving if you frequently hit curbs, mix up the gas and brake, or get lost. Contact friends or family for advice, or contact your local Council on Aging. AAA offers evaluations to senior drivers who question their skills.
