Mercedes-Benz encourages more anti-fatigue technology

Mercedes believes their Attention Assist system fitted to all E-Class and S-Class vehicles has been a positive step in reducing the total number of fatigue-related accidents in Germany, but the company says it hopes to expand the availability of the system by fitting it to many other vehicles throughout the current range, and they hope other manufacturers develop similar systems for their cars too.

Dr. Jorg Breuer, Head of Active Safety for the Mercedes-Benz passenger car division said at a recent traffic safety conference in Berlin, "Our research shows that following the introduction of the new safety systems, the frequency and severity of accidents involving vehicles fitted with the systems drops significantly," and that, "If other manufacturers were to follow the example being set by Mercedes, it is expected that a further significant reduction in the number of casualties on the roads could be achieved.”

The Attention Assist system monitors the driver's behaviour through various sensors which pick up lane movements, steering inputs and also certain accelerator and brake pedal patterns, and alerts the driver through various sounds and warning notices.

But is this really solving the problem? Is it removing the foundations of the danger; a tired driver behind the wheel.