Automotive supplier Continental has unveiled a new in-car technology to help avoid distracted driving.
The company has developed its own concept vehicle which is a retrofitted Cadillac XTS and equipped the technology called Driver Focus vehicle.
The Driver Focus concept vehicle features driver assistance systems that are connected to a versatile LED light strip to develop a powerful tool to test ways to combat driver distraction.
The vehicle is also equipped with an infrared driver analyzer camera, paired to a 360-degree in-cabin optical light guidance feature, which will alert drivers of dangerous situations.
Continental executive board member and Interior division head Helmut Matschi said with the driver focus vehicle, drivers have at their side a digital co-pilot that constantly scans the vehicle surroundings and specifically warns drivers when they appear to haveoverlooked a danger.
"The driver focus vehicle clearly illustrates the role that continuous integration of new technologies is playing in further reducing the risk of an accident," Matschi said.
The equipped infrared interior camera identifies driver's facial actions and when camera senses driver being distracted, the Halo gets activated and develops a subtle light trail that retrieves driver's eyes back to the correct field of view.
Based on the type of situation, such as a potential front-end collision or vehicle straying out of its lane, the Halo deploys different light patterns to bring back driver's attention.
Continental Chassis & Safety division executive board member and president Dr. Ralf Cramer said that human error is the single cause for about 80% of traffic accidents.
"Among this, driver distraction is a serious issue and plays a major role," Cramer said.
"The reasons are complex and range from driver drowsiness and monotonous driving situations to increased driver stress and information overload.
"To combat these realities, Continental utilizes active safety technology to advise drivers of the dangers and assist if necessary."
The vehicle will make its debut at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show to be held during 09 February 2013 to 18 February 2013 in the US.
