Australian device detects drowsy drivers

An Australian research team claims to have developed a device capable of identifying when a driver is too fatigued to operate a vehicle safely.

Researchers intend to test it on train engineers within a year, hoping to eventually cut down on the number of fatal traffic accidents caused by drivers falling asleep.

The system can read brainwaves to identify when a person is entering different stages of fatigue or even sleep, said Dr. Saroj Lal, a neuroscientist involved in the study.

For the experiment with train drivers, the device will likely be attached by means of a headband.

"We would be able to monitor the driver's attention levels and fatigue status immediately from his brain activity," she said.

"If he's in a fatigued state, he will be given an audible type of alarm.

"If all else fails, we hope to be linking to the train's control systems, give him an alarm through the train's system, also linked to the train's brake systems, and hopefully have the train stop."

The research project involves the University of Melbourne, a company called Integrated Vigilance Systems, and the University of Technology in Sydney.

In Canada, trucking industry statistics say fatigue is the most frequently cited probable cause of accidents (at 31 per cent), compared with the misuse of alcohol or other drugs, cited in just three per cent of cases.

Sleep deprivation has also been linked to accidents in the rail, aviation and marine sectors.

Young men aged 16-29, shift workers, and people with untreated sleep disorders are most at risk of being involved in fatal fall-asleep accidents.

With files from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.