Keep
Your Eyes on the Road
By
Sarah Martin
Getting
a driver's license is a new opportunity for freedom in a teenager’s
life. With this newfound freedom also comes an opportunity to be
reckless. With the development and advancement of modern technology,
cars have developed advanced features such as Bluetooth, GPS systems,
auto braking systems, and much more that is intended to make the
roads safer. These rapid advancements in technology are a powerful
way to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to driving.

Despite
all of the benefits from the recent rapid evolution of technology,
the negatives are also important to note. Technology intended to make
our lives better, but can sometimes create a greater issue. The use
of technology such as cell phones while driving endangers us and
those around us, quite the opposite of the “bettering of life”
intended. For example, using GPS systems can distract the driver from
focusing on the road, pulling their attention to the navigation
system instead. Having constant connection and easy access to the
internet anywhere can lead to a habit of using cell phones that
permeates most moments, including the times when our full attention
is necessary, like when we are operating a two-ton machine.

Since
the introduction of Bluetooth in cars in 2000, features like lane
correction, backup cameras, and automatic braking have become common
in many cars today. These tools allow drivers to be more protected
and aware while on the road but are often used to facilitate
distracted driving. Eye tracking technology has the power to redirect
our attention to driving, preventing these types of distractions from
taking our focus away.

In
an effort to protect people on the road, the US Department of
Transportation has published a website full of information about
distracted driving. Just 5 seconds with your eyes off the road while
driving “at 55 mph… like driving the length of an entire
football field with your eyes closed.”i
The length of a football field creates a lot of room for error. Add
up all the distracted moments of a drive and you have a lot of
potentially dangerous situations.

A
revolutionary company called Tobii has started to apply eye tracking
technology to drivers on the road.ii
Tobii has 15 years of experience of eye tracking and has been
gathering and studying data of eye movement in drivers. Tobii
researchers have found “gaze patterns during phases of subconscious
driving” in order to “identify situations and external factors
causing the issue” of distracted driving.iii
They have used this to create technology that empowers drivers to
stay more focused.

Tobii’s
eye tracking technology detects drowsiness, alerts drivers when their
eyes wander from the road, and recognizes driving without awareness.
Incorporating this new technological development can make drivers
more aware of what they are doing in a way that effectively promotes
safe driving. The path to driving without distractions is,
ironically, paved with technology.




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