XC90

Make
Volvo
Segment
SUV

As safe as our cars have become over the years, there will always be some level of danger to piloting tons of metal down the road at frightening speeds. And while you may think it impossible to fall asleep while doing something so hair-raising, it's more common than you may think. There are many tips and tricks to staying awake behind the wheel if you're stuck in traffic and feel yourself nodding off, but automakers have also come to the party with some clever tech that can actually tell if you're getting sleepy. Drowsiness detection in cars is now becoming more common, but how exactly do these technologies work?

Drowsy Driver Detection: A Definition

Modern fatigue-detection systems in cars use a number of monitoring methods to determine if a driver is starting to fall asleep or having a problem paying attention. These sleep-detection systems use sensors and cameras to repeatedly scan the driver, watching for extended eye blinks or noting if head position changes dramatically. These sometimes tie into external sensors that check to see if you are drifting outside your lane or responding too slowly. If one or more of these problems are identified, anti-sleep alarms will be triggered and will try to draw your attention. This can be by means of auditory alarms, a vibrating steering wheel, or even a vibrating driver's seat if the vehicle is equipped with such safety seat tech.

It is worth mentioning that these systems are by no means an excuse to drive while drowsy - nor do they pilot the vehicle if you do fall asleep. Their job is not to keep you awake during long trips but rather to warn you that you are in need of a break or a proper rest. After just one warning, you should find somewhere safe to pull over and stretch to get your blood pumping. You may also want to keep an eye out for a motel where you can get a few hours of shut-eye.

What Is The Sleep-Detection System On My Car Called?

The list of features in your new car can be quite overwhelming. If you want to tick this box on the options list when you're buying a new car, you'll need to know what some of the popular brands call this tech. While most features have self-explanatory names like fatigue monitoring, driver attention alert, and more, some automakers bundle sleep-detection systems in cars with other features and give them unique names. On most Audi models, for example, the tech is buried in an available Driver Assist package. Here are some of the more common drowsy driving detection technologies to be aware of and some of the latest models you can expect to find them in:

  • GM/Cadillac's Super Cruise: While the Super Cruise name refers to the suite of driver assistance systems, it makes use of FOVIO driver monitoring technology to keep track of whether the driver is getting fatigued. It is available on the Cadillac Escalade.
  • Volvo's Driver Alert Contro (DAC)l: The Swedish automaker was at the forefront of this tech, and introduced DAC back in 2007 to make the driver aware when they drive less consistently and become distracted due to drowsiness. The updated version of this tech is available across the lineup, including the flagship SUV, the Volvo XC90.
  • Mercedes' Attention Assist: Detecting driver fatigue is equally important in leisure cars as it is in commercial vehicles, so Attention Assist is available in all of the newest Mercedes models, including passenger and cargo vans.
  • BMW's Active Protection System: The Driving Assistant suite here uses an attention assistant and a driver attention camera to detect if there are erratic movements that could indicate sleepiness. The Fatigue and Focus Alert feature is standard on cars like the BMW 7 Series.
  • Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist: This comprehensive suite of safety assists monitors the way your vehicle behaves and will alert you if you drift outside of your lane. The tech is standard on all new Subarus, including the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek.

After-Market Drowsiness Detection Options

Safety standards are higher than ever before, and with automakers vying for the top spot with consumers, most modern cars come comprehensively outfitted with safety tech. Depending on what car you're buying, however, it may be a pricy optional extra - and, if your older car doesn't have the tech to monitor your focus and fatigue, there are some devices you can invest in that have a similar function.

Especially useful for truck drivers on long-distance journeys, a setup of cameras and monitors can be installed that track eye movements and head positioning, just as the standard tech mentioned above. These are pricey to retrofit but will get the job done.

You could consider buying an anti-sleep earpiece or a similar device. They are not quite as quick to respond to a deterioration in driver attention since they only warn you after your head starts to droop. Similarly, phone applications that monitor the driver's condition also have a delay in their response and may not be able to notice micro-sleep periods as accurately. These devices and apps are still better than nothing, but they don't compare to the technology that automakers have been working on and perfecting over the last few years.