Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) are globally recognised as vital for enhancing road safety by detecting driver fatigue and distraction. Increasing regulations in regions like Europe, China, and the U.S. are advancing DMS adoption, while Australia focuses on Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technology (FDDT) for its trucking industry.
In Europe, the Euro NCAP mandates that all new car models launched after January 2023 include DMS. This regulation ensures cars sold in Europe have advanced safety features to monitor driver behavior, reduce distractions, and mitigate fatigue-related accidents.
In China, DMS regulations began in 2018, focusing initially on trucks and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The Chinese government has since implemented strict performance requirements, including monitoring eye closure, yawning, head position, and phone usage. These systems must detect and alert drivers to these behaviors to prevent accidents.
In the United States, the legislative push for DMS began with the Moving Forward Act in 2020, setting the stage for DMS to become standard in new vehicles. The Stay Aware For Everyone (SAFE) Act of 2021 further emphasizes the importance of these systems, particularly in vehicles with semi-autonomous driving technology. If passed, by 2027, all new cars in the U.S. would include DMS.
Japan and South Korea have also embraced DMS, incorporating it into safety regulations, particularly for commercial vehicles. Both countries enforce stringent standards for monitoring driver alertness and distractions, ensuring these systems are integrated into their road safety strategies.
Australia’s Focus on FDDT
In Australia, the focus has traditionally been on managing fatigue through self-reported logs of sleep and rest hours. Despite the critical concern of driver fatigue, comprehensive DMS adoption is limited. Various technologies like fatigue-detecting watches have been trialed, but FDDT cameras have proven the most effective.
The journey towards FDDT adoption began as industry and regulators sought more reliable methods to combat driver fatigue. Over time, various technologies were tried, but FDDT cameras emerged as the most effective, leading to the development of NHVR’s good practice guidelines.
As Australia continues to enhance road safety, FDDT serves as a foundational step toward broader DMS adoption. While current practices focus on fatigue detection, integrating full DMS features could further elevate safety standards, aligning Australia with global trends. The future of fatigue management in Australia will likely involve a combination of regulatory support, advanced technologies, and industry collaboration to create a safer driving environment.
