Optalert

The Optalert system manages driver fatigue by warning drivers of impending drowsiness before it becomes dangerous. Complex micro-electronics housed in ergonomically-designed eyewear monitor the movement of a driver’s eyelids, which slows as fatigue increases. When Optalert detects drowsiness, a processing unit on the dashboard emits a warning. A second warning is sounded when the driver becomes too fatigued to drive safely. Optalert is essentially a piece of high-tech safety equipment, but it is also a personal accessory. Therefore, the design addressed aesthetics, technology and end-user variability—all in a package that drivers will find desirable to wear.