Mumbai: Mercedes-Benz has developed an innovative driver-support system  called 'Attention Assist', to cut down on serious road accidents caused by overtired drivers. This technology will recognise driver fatigue at an early stage, and warn the driver that a break is called for soon. The company plans to introduce this system in its 2009 spring series production.

Scientific studies indicate that around 25 per cent of all serious accidents occurring on motorways are caused by overtired drivers, which is more than the percentage of accidents occuring while driving under the influence of alcohol.

During long-distance journeys in the dark, or under unchanging conditions at a constant cruising speed, the risk of the "one-second nap" is greatest because the driver's attention lapses and monotony increases the danger of falling asleep even further.

Studies have shown that the reaction time of a driver can be 50 per cent longer after only four hours of non-stop driving. The risk of an accident is doubled after this length of time, and after six hours of driving it is no less than eight times as high.

'Attention Assist' monitors the driving behaviour of the driver, generating an individual driver profile which is constantly compared to a flow of sensor data. This continuous monitoring is important, so that the system can recognise the driver's transition from alertness to drowsiness and warn him in good time.

During the first few minutes of each journey, Attention Assist uses these data to compile an individual driver behaviour pattern which is constantly compared with the current steering behaviour and driving situation by the onboard electronic control unit. This enables the system to recognise the typical signs of overtiredness and warn the driver accordingly. This is done by an acoustic signal and a display in the instrument cluster with the clear-cut advice: "Attention Assist. Break!"

In addition to the vehicle speed and linear / lateral acceleration, the Mercedes system also registers steering wheel movements, indicator and pedal operation, plus a number of specific control operations and external influences such as side winds or uneven road surfaces. Monitoring the driver's steering behaviour has proved to be particularly relevant, as an overtired driver has difficulty in keeping the vehicle precisely on track.

With the newly developed 'Attention Assist,' Mercedes-Benz has added another technology to accident prevention. Mercedez developed electronic stability programme(ESP) and brake assist,  have already led to a measurable improvement in traffic safety.

View: Auto videos | Auto picture galleries