U-M Engineers Pave the Way for Safer Roads with Technology to Detect Drunk and Impaired Drivers – A Game Changer in Road Safety Efforts
New Technology by U-M Engineers Aims to Detect Impaired Drivers
Drunk driving has been a major concern on U.S. roads, causing thousands of deaths each year. In 2021 alone, there were 13,384 deaths attributed to drunk driving incidents. The University of Michigan (U-M) engineers have come up with a groundbreaking solution to address this issue.
They have developed new technology that can recognize impaired drivers using camera-based approaches. This innovative system utilizes infrared LiDAR or structured light 3D cameras that are integrated into existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). By leveraging artificial intelligence tools, the technology can detect five markers of impairment through data analysis.
The system is designed to look for various signs of impairment, including changes in blood flow, increased heart rate, eye behavior, body posture, head position, and respiratory rate. Similar to fraud detection in financial transactions, anomaly occurrence detection is used to identify impaired drivers on the road.
The U-M team is now looking for local interest and financial support to implement this technology on state roads. By doing so, they hope to not only address the issue of drunk driving but also to offer a competitive advantage to potential partners in the auto capital of the U.S.
In countries like India, road safety remains a critical issue that requires innovative solutions and continuous attention. While passive safety features like airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones are crucial for protecting occupants in the event of a crash, proactive safety features such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) play a significant role in preventing accidents and reducing collision risks.
ABS and EBD enhance stability and stopping power, leading to more controlled stops and ultimately making roads safer for all users. Studies have shown that these technologies are effective in reducing accident rates, highlighting the importance of standardizing them in all vehicles.
Therefore, investing in advanced braking technology is key to adopting a prevention-oriented approach to safety in countries like India. By embracing innovative solutions and technologies, we can work towards creating safer roads for everyone.
