From next July it will be mandatory in new cars driver drowsiness detection system. This is an important driver assistance system, which through infrared rays will read the driver’s pupil and distinguish whether he has drowsy tendencies or is distracted.

As Europe seeks to reduce the number of deaths on its roads by 2050, it has introduced a set of regulations and technologies to help achieve this goal. The so-called GSR or General Safety Regulations, is a term used in motoring and has to do with all those technologies that aim to reduce accidents in case of driver error.

Already from July 2022 it is mandatory in cars the smart ISA speed alert, which audibly and visually warns drivers when they exceed the speed limit.

In the EU’s bid to achieve a uniform approach, all carmakers must install an infrared camera that scans the driver’s eye and head movement for distraction, followed by a warning. This form of active system will be mandatory, while less expensive solutions will not apply. If an automaker wants to continue selling existing models with this technology, it will have to retrofit them with a detection system no later than July 2026.

The package for car manufacturers costs quite a lot. This may drag up the prices of new cars. The car segment most affected will be the B-SUV segment, where competition is high, as well as low-margin vehicles that may not be able to absorb the extra price. Currently, drowsiness detection is found in cars that have increased levels of comfort and safety. However, research shows that driver fatigue can increase the risk of accidents.

The system is also a point of reference for insurance companies, as in this way accidents on the roads will be reduced. In fact, the cars that will have this technology may be given an additional discount. What is certain is that the full implementation of the GSR could lead to lower premiums.

Today’s cars that have driver drowsiness alerts are often overdone, forcing the driver to turn them off. But a shutdown would have the opposite of the EU’s intended security outcome. Therefore, car manufacturers’ in-car policies may need to be reviewed and the way they work adjusted to prevent drivers from disabling the systems.