The belt has special electronic sensors that record breathing and heart rate
A “smart” car seat belt, which constantly monitors the driver’s heartbeat and breathing and alerts him with an audible signal when it “understands” that he is about to fall asleep at the wheel, has been created by Spanish researchers.
The belt has special electronic sensors that record the rhythms of breathing and heartbeat. When these fall too low, an indication that the driver is in danger of falling asleep, then the belt “rings” to wake him up in time.
Researchers at the Biomechanical Institute of Valencia, led by José Solath, according to the British “Daily Mail” and “Telegraph”, stated that the monitoring-wake-up system called HARKEN can save the driver’s life if he is tired or drunk.
The system is based on "smart" fabrics with integrated electronic sensors, which are placed both in the belt and in the driver's seat cover. These materials are made of fibers and threads with electrical properties and are mixed with the usual materials from which belts and seats are made.
For now, the new system has been successfully tested on closed racing tracks, while tests in real conditions on Spanish roads will soon follow. In addition to the warning sound, a more improved version will allow the system to take control of the vehicle and drive it to the side of the road.
Research has shown that traffic accidents due to driver fatigue are approximately 50% more likely to result in death or serious injury. Drowsiness reduces a driver's reaction time, concentration and alertness, which can be fatal.
Such accidents are more likely to occur on national roads or on monotonous country roads, during long journeys, especially in the evenings (from 2 to 6 a.m.), as well as in the midday hours after eating and drinking.
Young male drivers, truck drivers and night shift workers are particularly at risk of falling asleep while driving.
Driver fatigue is responsible for 20% to 35% of serious road accidents. Over 6,000 deaths are estimated to occur in Europe each year due to fatigue.
Source: protothema.gr
