Drivers getting help staying awake at the wheel Updated: Mon Sep. 28 2009 7:27:03 PM
ctvmontreal.ca
A device invented here in Quebec is catching worldwide attention.
The Driver's Mate is designed to do something simple and crucial: keep drivers from falling asleep at the wheel.
Richard Couture says his sons would be alive today if the Driver's Mate was in widespread use.
"I lose two sons at the same time because he fall asleep behind the wheel," said Couture.
How it works
The gadget sits on the dashboard of a car or truck, and is equipped with a camera that points at the driver's face to detect signs of sleepiness.
The screen is so sensitive it can pickup blinking eye movements through sunglasses, and analyze tired facial muscles.
Raphael Huppe designed the device with multiple ways to alert drivers they should pull over.
"[At] the first sign of losing vigilance the yellow light will go on. And the red light, it's five minutes before you fall asleep, so the red light means you stop," said Huppe.
The Driver's Mate also buzzes if people continue to drive when they should pull over.
Truck drivers like Stephane Blain are eager to buy the device, because of the one in four accidents in Canada caused every year by sleepy drivers, 30% of the crashes involve tractor-trailers.
"80 per cent of the truck drivers are working 60 hours a week. Even more than that, 60, 70, 75 hours a week," said Blain, who has already used the new technology.
A car-sized version should be available within the next six months.
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