New vehicle sensors could remind motorists to pay attention to the road.

Volvo Cars has announced the launch of new research into the development of driver sensors to monitor individuals when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

All road users can suffer from distraction when driving and therefore Volvo has embarked on cutting-edge research that will help to track the behaviour of motorists and warn them if they are failing to pay adequate attention to the road.

The new system works by tracking the eye movements of motorists to register their level of alertness. If individuals close their eyes or look away from the road for extended periods it can offer an early warning that they could be showing the signs of fatigue.

It is based on a dashboard-mounted sensor that uses infrared light to monitor driver behaviour and then translates this data to change how the vehicle reacts while being driven.

Per Landfors, engineer at Volvo Cars and project leader for driver support functions, stated the system the vehicle manufacturer is now working on could help to save countless lives in the future, as well as having a considerable impact on the development of potential driverless models in the years ahead.

“Since the car is able to detect if a driver is not paying attention, safety systems can be adapted more effectively. For example, the car’s support systems can be activated later on if the driver is focused, and earlier if the driver’s attention is directed elsewhere,” he explained.

These systems include automatic braking and driver aids to improve responsiveness in the event of an emergency.

Mr Landfors concluded: “This will enable the driver to be able to rely a bit more on their car, and know that it will help them when needed.”

Volvo Cars is working in partnership with the Chalmers University of Technology and Volvo AB to develop these new systems, with a number of test vehicles already having the technology installed.

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