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Car Makers Explore EEG Headrests

Posted by Soulskill on from the combine-with-electroshock-and-we've-got-a-winner dept.

mrtr writes "A number of car makers are looking at whether EEG devices built into headrests could prevent accidents by sensing when a driver is in danger of drifting off. The technology comes from Neurosky, which already makes commercial EEG units for use in gaming and market research. Other approaches, such as using cameras to spot drooping eyelids, have proven too unreliable so far. From the story: 'Fatigue causes more than 100,000 crashes and 40,000 injuries, and around 1,550 deaths, per year in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some studies suggest drowsiness is involved in 20 to 25 percent of all crashes on monotonous stretches of road.'"

10 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. So make the road less monotonous by h4rr4r · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Nice winding roads and an unlimited speed limit would get rid of much of that monotony.

    1. Re:So make the road less monotonous by citizenr · · Score: 2

      Nice winding roads and an unlimited speed limit would get rid of much of that monotony.

      That is a very good idea. Not, of course, for reducing car crashes, but for accelerating the process of natural selection.

      German autobahns disagree with you.

      --
      Who logs in to gdm? Not I, said the duck.
    2. Re:So make the road less monotonous by cdrguru · · Score: 2

      I believe a good portion of the Autobahn now has a speed limit. I was rather surprised in the area around Stuttgart in January this year.

      Previously, I had been practically run off the road at 210 kph (left lane) while the right was moving at 100. Obviously, any sort of car problem (tire, suspension, etc.) would have been fatal with no place to go.

      I found some unmarked areas around Stuttgart but the "default" seemed to be 100kph rather than unlimited. Very few places left without speed limits, at least in that area.

    3. Re:So make the road less monotonous by PopeScott · · Score: 2

      The Autobahn is actually maintained, unlike 99% of the roads in America.

    4. Re:So make the road less monotonous by GNious · · Score: 2

      Nice winding roads and an unlimited speed limit would get rid of much of that monotony.

      That is a very good idea. Not, of course, for reducing car crashes, but for accelerating the process of natural selection.

      German autobahns disagree with you.

      ALL of the Autobahn is limited to 130 kph - on SOME of it, you are allowed to exceed this, with the observation that you are absolutely guilty of any incident, if going faster than 130 (80.7 antiquated units per hour).

      The rules relating to the layout and quality of the Autobahn are also more strict that anywhere, so before you apply observations about the Autobahn to any other stretch of road, first apply the rules.

  2. Magical electrodes by EdZ · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Wait, they expect a set of dry electrodes positioned vaguely near the back of a persons head trying to record and distinguish brainwaves to be MORE reliable than the camera system? It's hard enough to get a reliable and accurate read with wet-contact electrodes through hair!

    1. Re:Magical electrodes by Deep+Esophagus · · Score: 2

      Add to that the fact that not all drivers even USE the headrests... I sit up straight, so my head is a bit forward of the headrests at all times. Somebody really did not think this through all the way.

  3. just let google drive by russ1337 · · Score: 2

    how about putting the effort into autonomous vehicles....

  4. The technology comes from Neurosky, by Zerth · · Score: 2

    who is desperately trying to find a market for mediocre, overpriced EEG units, since the gamers didn't bite.

  5. Bonus: free shrunken heads! by macraig · · Score: 2

    Perhaps it could also diagnose ADD, autism, BPD, schizophrenia, and approaching episodes of road rage? Think of the savings!