Ford Researching Futuristic Anti-Distracted-Driving Technology

 Posted on October 22,2021 in Car Accidents

The term “distracted driving” is used to describe everything from texting and driving to daydreaming behind the wheel. Distracted driving – especially involving an electronic device - is shockingly common. One study shows that 40 percent of drivers use their phones at least once an hour. Even more commonly, drivers are distracted by their own minds. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and contributes to thousands of injurious and fatal accidents every year.

Currently, scientists at Ford are conducting research on brain responses in hopes of creating technology that will recognize distracted driving and drowsy driving. The futuristic technology aims to detect when drivers are “zoning out” behind the wheel or becoming distracted by their thoughts.

Addressing Inattention Behind the Wheel

Most people cite drunk driving, drugged driving, or speeding as some of the top causes of car crashes. However, a surprising number of car accidents are caused by daydreaming or becoming lost in thought. In fact, one recent study shows that zoning out or daydreaming is the number one cause of fatal distracted driving accidents. When our minds are focused on other concerns, we do not pay close enough attention to the road. We may neglect to use a turn signal when changing lanes, drift into oncoming traffic or fail to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Ford Hopes to Use Technology to Reduce Distracted Driving

Vehicle automation may be one component of the solution to distracted driving, however, some experts worry that automation may actually increase the incidence of daydreaming while driving. Ford researchers are studying the brains of individuals using driving simulations to understand what driver inattention actually looks like. The participants’ brains are scanned by an MRI machine while they react to sudden obstacles on the virtual road. Their breathing and heart rate are also recorded. Ford hopes to use this information to design wearable technology that will alter a driver if he or she becomes distracted or starts daydreaming.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

When drivers are distracted by their thoughts or electronic devices, they can make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. If you or a loved one were hurt in a distracted driving accident, contact a Lake County car accident injury attorney from Salvi & Maher, LLP to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to financial reimbursement for your vehicle damage, medical bills, lost income from missed work, and more. Call us at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.zendrive.com/data-studies/2018-distracted-driving-snapshot-distracted-driving-is-100-times-worse-than-thought

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacknerad2/2019/03/30/daydreaming-can-kill-you-no-really/