Toyota face-monitoring system keeps drivers on alert
Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has developed a safety technology that it says will keep the driver’s eyes on the road.
An image-processing computer system developed by Toyota and a Toyota affiliate uses a camera near the steering wheel to detect when the driver stops looking straight ahead.
The system flashes a light on the dashboard display and emits a beeping noise when the eyes start to wander. If the driver still doesn’t respond, brakes kick in, Toyota said today.
The feature will be offered in Lexus luxury models set to be sold in Japan in spring next year.
Toyota won’t comment on whether it will be offered in models sold abroad, said company spokeswoman Keiko Nakajima.
Research shows that most accidents happen because the driver isn’t paying attention, according to Toyota.
