SAVE

SAVE

Driver state monitoring, driver warning and emergency handling

SAVE is an EC-funded transport telematics project that aims to develop an integrated system capable of detecting driver status problems which may indicate an imminent danger of an accident or other emergency. In such cases, the system will inform the driver, the surrounding traffic and (if necessary) an emergency centre. If the driver is seriously impaired and incapable of safely controlling the vehicle, the SAVE system will automatically manoeuvre the vehicle to the roadside, where effective help can be provided.

The project work is initiated with an analysis of drivers needs, expectancies and acceptability of the proposed system. It is anticipated that this exercise will enhance public awareness of telematics aids in this area. This work is performed via interviews with approximately 500 potential users across three different EU countries. The user group will include members of the public as well as lorry drivers, bus drivers, professional-long distance-race drivers, police drivers and elderly and disabled drivers.

Workshops with experts and user panels will be organised to supplement the user requirements work. FIA national automobile clubs and car manufacturers are planned to participate in order to provide this scope. The SAVE concept specifically excludes passing information about incapacity to the law enforcement authorities. It is expected that this approach will improve the public acceptability of such aids. The safety and legal aspects of the implementation of SAVE system are also being considered. For this reason, the opinion and acceptance of key actors in the field will be investigated, such as the police, medical, legislation and driving license authorities and emergency help centres.

The first stage of the development programme is the realisation of subsystems to detect drunk driving, fatigue and critical incidents in real time, which are called Driver Impairment Monitoring (DIM). DIM will be based on a number of indirect techniques, including:

• Driver profile identification and recognition of serious deviations from it
• Estimation of the changes in the vehicle position on the road
• Detection of relevant road safety aspects violation
• Observation of the driver's face, looking particular at eye blinks, to detect drowsiness or inattention
• Measurement of steering wheel grip force

Partners:
CNRS – LAAS, CNRS – LPPE, FIA, CRF, HUSAT, IAT / IAO, INRETS, PPSW, Renault, Siemens, TNO, VTI.

Coordinator:

TRD, Athens branch
Dr. A. Bekiaris
L. Alexandras 28,
GR-10683 Athens
Greece
Phone: +30 1 825 3777 9
Fax: +30 1 825 3780
E-mail: agelos1@compulink.gr

Take me to the SAVE website