Publication Details
Abstract
Injuries resulting from accidental crashes are the 8th leading cause of global mortality.Sleepiness greatly undermines neurological function, creating a significant risk for road traffic accidents. This systematic review seeks to assess the relationship between driving fatigue and road incidents. Official data from the U.S. government indicates that drowsy driving is responsible for only 1%–2% of motor vehicle collisions; however, numerous studies suggest a more extensive issue. Our research investigates driver drowsiness prior to crashes, examining data from a thorough naturalistic driving study that monitored over 3,500 individuals using in-vehicle cameras and tracking equipment. By employing validated metrics based on the duration of eye closure, drowsiness was identified in 8.8%–9.5% of all crashes analyzed and in 10.6%–10.8% of those that resulted in significant damage or injury.It is essential to maintain driver focus and alertness.For longer journeys, it is advisable to have alternate drivers or to take regular breaks to reduce fatigue-related risks.Despite taking precautions, drivers frequently fall victim to drowsiness, resulting in serious consequences.Therefore, the implementation of smart features and devices to proactively alert drivers is necessary.With around 1.3 million traffic fatalities each year attributed to various factors, including driver fatigue and health problems, our device aims to reduce accidents by preventing operation by individuals who are sleep-deprived or medically unfit, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety and public trust in road travel.