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Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist that is able to recognise driver fatigue at an early stage and warn the driver that a break is called for. The system will enter series production in spring 2009.
"During long-distance journeys which are common in the region during the summer or under unchanging conditions at a constant cruising speed, the risk of the 'one-second nap' is greatest because the driver's attention lapses and monotony increases the danger of falling asleep even further," said Frank Bernthaler, director, sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant.
"Studies have shown that the reaction times of drivers can be 50 per cent longer after only four hours of non-stop driving. The risk of an accident is doubled after this length of time, and after six hours of driving it is no less than eight times as high."
With the newly developed Attention Assist, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its practically-oriented commitment to accident prevention as already demonstrated by for example, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP(r)) and Brake Assist, which have already led to a measurable improvement in traffic safety.
Attention Assist monitors the driving behaviour of the driver, generating an individual driver profile which is constantly compared to a flow of sensor data. This continuous monitoring is important, so that the system can recognise the driver's transition from alertness to drowsiness and warn him in good time.
In addition to the vehicle speed and linear/lateral acceleration, the Mercedes system also registers factors such as steering wheel movements, indicator and pedal operation, plus a number of specific control operations and external influences such as side winds or uneven road surfaces.
Monitoring the driver's steering behaviour has proved to be particularly relevant, as an overtired driver has difficulty in keeping the vehicle precisely on track. He makes minor steering errors which are often quickly corrected in a characteristic manner.
The heart of the Mercedes system is an extremely sensitive sensor that enables the steering movements and their speed to be monitored very precisely.
During the first few minutes of each journey, Attention Assist uses these data to compile an individual driver behaviour pattern which is constantly compared with the current steering behaviour and driving situation by the onboard electronic control unit.
This enables the system to recognise the typical signs of overtiredness and warn the driver accordingly. This is done by an acoustic signal and a display in the instrument cluster with the clear-cut advice: 'Attention Assist. Break!'
