Drivers as the most important factor in ensuring transport safety

Safety in transport is not only a matter of modern vehicle technologies and developed road infrastructure. It is drivers who play a key role, reacting in real time to dynamically changing situations on the road. Driving on highways can be monotonous, and the many hours spent behind the wheel can lower a driver’s vigilance. This is one of the reasons why car manufacturers are deciding to implement increasingly advanced systems aimed at optimizing road transport safety. In this article, we will discuss why the driver is a key factor in ensuring transport safety and which technologies support drivers in difficult situations.

Drivers as the most important factor in ensuring transport safety

Safety in transport is not only a matter of modern vehicle technologies and developed road infrastructure. It is drivers who play a key role, reacting in real time to dynamically changing situations on the road. Driving on highways can be monotonous, and the many hours spent behind the wheel can lower a driver’s vigilance. This is one of the reasons why car manufacturers are deciding to implement increasingly advanced systems aimed at optimizing road transport safety. In this article, we will discuss why the driver is a key factor in ensuring transport safety and which technologies support drivers in difficult situations.

Factors affecting road safety

• technical condition of the vehicle: regular inspections and repairs provide the basis for mutual trust between drivers on the road
• weather conditions: fog, snow or even intense sunlight can significantly hinder driving
• road quality: the condition of roads and surfaces is responsible for almost 30% of accidents worldwide
• driver skill and fitness: a key element for the proper functioning of the other aspects

All these factors are important. However, the driver’s fitness – his vigilance, knowledge and experience – always have the greatest impact on safety. We also cannot forget about the development of new technologies, the need for education and social campaigns.

What affects road safety?

New technologies, such as the driver fatigue detection system, can be an important element in improving road safety. However, one cannot forget about education and building awareness among drivers, because they play a key role here. Research by the Motor Transport Institute confirms that driver fatigue is one of the main dangers in road transport. Developing new technologies is important, but it should go hand in hand with driver education. Safe international transport depends on the synergy between these elements.

Dangers in road transport

The greatest threats to road transport safety are primarily:

• driver fatigue
• driver carelessness
• excessive speed
• failure to comply with traffic lights and traffic regulations
• improper securing and placing of the load
• ignoring regulations on driver working hours

Driver fatigue is particularly dangerous because it is often overlooked. Therefore, technologies such as the driver fatigue detection system can significantly improve safety in transport. Nevertheless, without the driver having the right approach, even the most advanced technologies will not be fully effective. Studies show that as many as 10% of motorway accidents result from being tired or falling asleep. Appropriate systems, such as a driver fatigue sensor, can significantly reduce these statistics.

Active and passive safety in transport

Safety in car transport can be divided into two main types.

• active safety – technologies and practices to avoid accidents
• passive safety – mechanisms that minimize injuries in case of an accident

In order to increase the safety of international transport, it is necessary to properly integrate both of these aspects and invest in modern vehicles. Active safety means preventive measures, including the driver fatigue detection system. Passive safety, in turn, entails mechanisms that minimize the effects of an accident, such as airbags. Both forms are important, but car manufacturers are increasingly focusing on issues related to active safety and preventing dangerous situations on the road.

How does the driver fatigue sensor work?

The driver fatigue detection system is designed to monitor driver behavior and reactions. Currently, the systems evaluate the movement of the steering wheel, track the direction of travel and use audio and text messages to inform the driver when a break is needed. In the future, such systems will likely use advanced cameras and optical sensors to monitor the movement of the driver’s eyes and head. The current development of vehicle safety systems focuses on accident prevention. Will cars soon be able to communicate with each other? Ford presented such a possibility in 2021.

Driver Fatigue Detection System – Volkswagen

Volkswagen has introduced several technologies that improve safety in its vehicles. The interconnection of the sensors and the Lane Assist and Emergency Assist systems make up the driver fatigue detection and collision avoidance system. The Lane Assist system uses a camera built into the mirror which monitors the lines on the road. If the vehicle veers off the chosen lane, the driver is informed by a slight shaking of the steering wheel. Emergency Assist, in turn, takes control of the vehicle if the driver were to faint.

Modern safety systems and freedom

The development of technology, especially in the field of fatigue detection systems, carries certain risks. Even though driver fatigue detection systems are intended to improve road safety, current and future regulations in this area are controversial. The European Union is seeking to introduce a requirement to install cameras monitoring the professional driver while driving. Doing so may constitute a serious breach of privacy. In addition, the ability of the system to record and store data introduces the risk of it being used by insurers or law enforcement agencies. The introduction of such systems may be the beginning of a more advanced surveillance of society under the pretext of increasing security. This opens the door to potential violations of privacy and civil liberties.

Conscious drivers = safe transport

Safety in transport is a multi-level issue. However, drivers are at the heart of this issue. Their work can be supported by driver fatigue detection systems or collision avoidance technologies. Nevertheless, driver education and common sense should not be underestimated. The use of new technologies should supplement, not replace, driver knowledge and experience in road transport.