The FitDrive project is using advanced monitoring technologies to spot early signs of driver fatigue to improve road safety and prevent accidents.

According to road safety charity Brake, it is estimated that between 10% and 20% of all road crashes worldwide are fatigue-related. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and are less able to control their vehicles. For this reason, Brake claims that driving tired can be as dangerous as drink-driving.

If a driver starts feeling tired behind the wheel they may rub the back of their neck, yawn, stretch their shoulders or rub their eyes. They may not even be aware they are showing these indicators of the onset of mental and physical fatigue.

However, a new tool in development by a team of EU researchers is able to detect these signs and alert drivers that they should pay more attention or even take a break.

Led by the ITCL Technology Centre in Spain, the FitDrive project, which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon programme, is building...