Modern safety isn’t just about airbags and crumple zones anymore. Cars are starting to monitor the driver just as closely as they monitor the road. Advanced driver monitoring systems (DMS) use cameras, sensors, and even infrared to detect drowsiness, distraction, or health issues like heart irregularities.
For example, if a driver’s eyes close for too long or they look away from the road, the system can sound alarms, vibrate the steering wheel, or even engage emergency braking. Volvo, Toyota, and others are planning to make these systems standard by 2025, especially as autonomous features take over and demand new levels of human-machine trust.
Key Takeaways:
- Driver monitoring enhances safety and supports semi-autonomous features.
- It can detect drowsiness, distraction, or medical emergencies.
- Automakers are making this tech a new safety standard.