Bus drivers’ brainwaves will be monitored in South Korean safety pilot
The sensors will be placed in the drivers' ears
Safer bus campaign
The move is part of the province’s ‘Safer Public Bus’ campaign which aims to eliminate driver stress and drowsiness, as well as the number of accidents involving buses.
Drivers will receive alerts through multiple channels, including LEDs around their seats, smartphone notifications, and seat vibrations.
When asked if beeping noises and alerts on smartphones could prove even more distracting for drivers, Cho said the trial will be regularly reviewed and amended if necessary.
“Hyundai Mobis has studied related research papers to develop and test the device. They will adjust and fix it if they discover any problems including possible obstacles to the drivers during the pilot operation.
“Accidents occur many times because of drivers’ drowsiness, stress, or careless driving when they are behind the wheel.”
“This ear-set sensor will help reduce the possibility of accidents if the driver is stressed or tired, and contribute to making driving safer.”
The Safer Public Bus campaign will also see the creation of rest areas for bus drivers, the reorganisation of long-distance bus routes, and the strengthening of operator compliance with legally guaranteed working hours and break times.
The trial will initially run on buses operating between the provincial capital Suwon and Seoul and may be extended if successful.
Story byCities Today
Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.
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