Ford SafeCap: A great connected cap to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel

according to information communicated with road safetyOne-third of fatal accidents are due to drowsiness. We better understand the benefit of an accessory that could potentially save many lives. Ford developed a prototype with sleep experts. To achieve this, a number of sensors are attached to the cover. hard drive Take care that it does not fall on the road and steering wheel. Awaiting the arrival of autonomous cars, this device looks very interesting.

Ford SafeCap: A connected cap that fights sleep behind the wheel

We think road professionals who sometimes spend long hours behind the wheel are more likely to be interested in this connected cover. Ford’s accessory is based on a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a processor. It continuously detects head movements and thus analyzes the driver’s behavior. If it detects signs of drowsiness, a warning then run on the drive (a slight vibration, a beep, and a flashing light) to prompt it to pause. From the Sleep Institute, who participated in the development of the accessory, Dr. Lia Bittencourt gives some details.

The helmet can detect head movements even before the driver closes his eyes, for example when neck muscles begin to relax. This makes it possible to predict drowsiness and thus prevent the driver from falling asleep at the wheel.

The SafeCap initiative started in Brazil as part of a marketing campaign. However, Ford communicates anywhere in the world on its own device. If the prototype meets some success, there is no doubt that it will quickly enter the market. The manufacturer remains silent on this issue for now. In the context of road safety, we have already seen other initiatives aimed at making our roads safer, such as an aid drone for the police or Waze collaborating with European aid.