Manage Fleets Better, Empower Drivers with Driver Monitoring System

What Is Driver Monitoring System (DMS)? 

A driver monitoring system is an advanced technology that uses a camera to track a driver’s drowsiness or distraction. The camera is mounted on the dashboard, facing the driver, and uses the most up-to-date tracking technology to recognize facial expressions and signs of distraction. If there is a need to caution the driver or bring their attention to an oncoming hazard, an alert will sound to bring back the driver’s attention.

Modern fleet managers are considering introducing a driver monitoring system, as it provides timely alerts to the driver and actively initiates an intervention to manage the control of the vehicle. In other words, the driver monitoring system ensures that the driver is prepared to take control of the vehicle when the situation dictates.

Moreover, the driver monitoring system is becoming a standard implementation of most automotive safety features around the world due to recent governmental oversight and regulations. For example, the European Union requires DMS to be included in all new vehicles from 2024 onwards; in 2020, the US government also passed a large-scale highway and infrastructure bill that mandated DMS systems be included in all newly manufactured vehicles with automated driving capabilities. 

How Does Driver Monitoring System Work?

Standard driver monitoring systems use a driver-facing camera with infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) so that it can track the driver’s face, even at night time. Driver monitoring systems typically use a driver-facing camera equipped with LEDs or lasers so that it can “see” the driver’s face, even at night, and see the driver’s eyes even if the driver is wearing dark sunglasses.

A driver monitoring software can recognize if the driver’s facial expressions begin to show signs of tiredness, such as excessive blinking, narrowing, or closing eyes, or if their head sits at an unusual angle. It can register if the driver is losing concentration or beginning to fall asleep, and an alert is sounded to bring the driver back to full attention. The alert can trigger a brake to maintain safe driving practices in extreme circumstances.

Driving Management Benefits of Vehicle Monitoring Systems

There are many benefits to driving management for drivers and fleet managers when utilizing vehicle monitoring systems. These include:

• Fuel economy – Fuel economy takes into account the distance traveled by a vehicle and the amount of fuel consumed. Many countries are imposing fuel economy requirements targeting commercial fleets as it is a significant factor in air pollution. By analyzing drivers’ behaviors, the vehicle monitoring system can create strategies to reduce fuel use. This can be achieved by optimizing routes and reducing downtimes.
• Enhanced driver safety and productivity – By monitoring drivers’ focus and awareness, it’s possible to ensure safe driving practices, increasing productivity.
• Preventative maintenance – Careful driving helps mechanics last longer; this allows cars to last longer and acts as a preventative maintenance technique.
• Automated reminders for driver compliance – With automated reminders, drivers consistently comply with safety procedures and practice safe driving at all times.
• Reduced manual admin work & fleet downtime – By consistently monitoring driving safety, vehicle maintenance and downtime are reduced, and fleets run continuously. 

Advanced Applications of In-vehicle Monitoring Systems

Advanced application of an in-vehicle monitoring system uses smart technology that can be personalized for each individual driver. The benefits increase safety, provide key insights to reduce downtime, and can also integrate with smart devices such as phones, tablets, and more.

Interior Sensing 

Driving monitoring systems can also track the car’s interior, not just the driver’s face. Also known as in-cabin monitoring, an interior sensing system is designed to identify the state and behaviors of drivers and occupants. This can be an extra helpful feature of a driver monitoring system, as it can, for instance, detect if a child has been left in the car, objects have been forgotten, and many more. 

Another interesting, emerging benefit of interior sensing is driver personalization, where the driver’s usual facial function and habits are tracked and noted as “normal” behaviors to avoid unnecessary alerts. Meanwhile, it is effective in detecting driver distraction, fatigue, and unresponsive driving.

Autonomous Driving 

The predictive element made possible by driver monitoring systems is vital for autonomous driving at levels 3 and 4, both of which require drivers to re-engage and prepare to take control of the vehicle at specific points of the drive. Driver’s attention must be on the road and surroundings at all times, even during automated driving, to take control of the wheel when needed. 

As discussed earlier, the feature of interior sensing recognizes the driver’s current level of alertness and issues a warning when their level of drowsiness could compromise their ability to drive safely. A driver monitoring system ensures that the driver maintains focus during the drive and that attention doesn’t lapse.

Deploy Reliable Driver Monitoring System with SINTRONES

Overall, introducing a driver monitoring system can scale up your fleet management in terms of safety and efficiency with the most advanced technological solutions. To implement a DMS in your vehicles, the first essential requirement is an on-board in-vehicle computer. SINTRONES offers a high-performance in-vehicle computer that operates flawlessly within a wide temperature range of -40°C to 70°C. With multiple Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports and E-mark certification, it stands as the ideal choice for a DMS computer solution.

Consult our specialists today to reduce downtime, improve function, and ensure the optimum health and safety of your fleets. Follow the link to learn more about SINTRONES’ DMS solutions.