WSU researchers develop new way to detect drowsy drivers

Washington State University researchers say they’ve developed a new technology to help detect drowsy drivers behind the wheel.

The detection technology is based on steering wheel movements. They say steering wheel movements among drowsy drivers are more variable.

Hans Van Dongen, a research professor at the WSU Sleep and Performance Research Center, says their technology captures the activity of the steering wheel and that can be used to determine if a person is becoming drowsy.

“Big picture is, take a signal from the steering wheel, process it with a signal-processing algorithm that we developed, and use it to see it coming when a driver becomes drowsy before they hit the point it becomes dangerous,” said Van Dongen in a video released about their research.

They believe their technology provides a good basis for the development of an early detection system for drowsy drivers.

“The solution uses inexpensive, easy-to-install parts—including a sensor that measures the position of the steering wheel—and could be included as part of a factory installation or as an aftermarket accessory,” says a release about the work.