Wake up call: New roadside test will use smart glasses technology to bust TIRED motorists - by letting police test how fatigued drivers are
- Victoria Police could soon carry out fatigue tests on a camera-based device
- Melbourne sleep researchers are developing the 'smart-glasses' technology
- The device would be able to measure fatigue levels by tracking eye movements
- This includes the duration of blinks and how eyes scan the road
- Around 20 per cent of fatal road accidents in Victoria involve driver fatigue
- Fatigue remains one of the three biggest killers on NSW roads
Victoria Police may soon be able to carry out roadside testing for fatigue in addition to random breath and drug testing.
Melbourne sleep researchers could make this a reality as they develop an on-the-spot type of 'smart-glasses' technology where police could soon carry out fatigue tests on a camera-based device, Herald Sun reported.
Around 20 per cent of fatal road accidents involve driver fatigue or 'drowsy driving' according to Victoria's Transport Accident Commission.
An overturned car in Melbourne after crashing: Victoria Police may soon be able to carry out roadside tests for fatigue
The device would be able to measure fatigue levels by tracking eye movements, such as the duration of blinks and how eyes scan the road.
Until now, there was no scientific method to determine whether a driver was too tired to drive.
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Victoria Police has been approached to be involved and will watch the research with interest, a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'Fatigue isn’t just falling asleep, it slows reaction time and affects concentration and decision-making skills which is crucial to safe driving.'
Almost 30 per cent of adults drive while drowsy at least monthly, and 20 per cent fall asleep at the wheel, the National Sleep Foundation's annual report shows.
Melbourne sleep researchers could make this a reality as they develop an on-the-spot type of 'smart-glasses' technology
In most Australian states, drivers are advised to take a powernap if they are feeling drowsy.
In NSW there are at least 80 'Driver Reviver' sites where tired motorists can take a break and enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks.
In Victoria the TAC recommends a 15 minute nap.
TAC's senior manager for road safety Samantha Cockfield told the Herald Sun there are two key groups at risk of drowsiness - shift workers and mothers.
Austin Health Associate Professor Mark Howard, a respiratory and sleep specialist and lead researcher of the roadside testing technology said night-shift workers were more prone to microsleeping and unintentionally crossing lanes.
Fatigue remains one of the three biggest killers on NSW roads and fatigue-related crashes are twice as likely to be fatal due to the subconscious state of the driver.
The technology means police could soon carry out fatigue tests on a camera-based device
Around 20 per cent of fatal road accidents involve driver fatigue or 'drowsy driving' according to Victoria's Transport Accident Commission
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