Seeing Machines, the maker of Guardian technology, has released new data showing that its Guardian technology has improved fleet and overall highway safety by significantly reducing distracted driving and fatigue when assessed in multiple U.S.-based fleets.

Seeing Machines debuted Guardian in North America earlier this year. Guardian is an intelligent driver safety solution that works in real time, using advanced sensors and image processing technology. It tracks micro-movements of the driver’s eyes and head to identify a fatigue or distraction event. When an event is detected, the driver receives in-cab audio and seat vibration alerts that provide immediate intervention to prevent an incident. If it becomes a high-risk situation (i.e. multiple fatigue events in a short time), the fleet manager is informed so they can get in touch with the driver.

Guardian’s North American assessment results from three fleets show:

• Microsleep events (where the driver’s eyes are completely closed while driving) reduced by 100%, 75% and 71%, respectively.
• Cell phone related distraction events reduced by 100%, 97% and 77%.
• Distraction events at high speed reduced by 83%, 49% and 43%.

Distracted driving and driver fatigue are major factors contributing to more than 400,000 large truck crashes every year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Data from Seeing Machines’ 24/7 SafeGuard Center in Tucson, Arizona shows an average of one distraction event occurring every 44 miles traveled by a truck, and one fatigue event occurring every 360 miles.

“No one disputes that driver fatigue is an issue,” says Mirza Kozarcanin, senior vice president of business development at Seeing Machines. “It’s been a painful 15 years to get to this point, but we have a simple solution that is available now.”

Seeing Machines also announced that the Atlanta-based Royal Food Service fleet will equip its entire fleet with Guardian’s advanced safety system.

“It’s exciting to see fleet companies like Royal Food Service proactively embrace this life-saving solution, and for us to show the industry how this technology will protect drivers’ safety and privacy,” said Seeing Machines Chief Executive Officer Ken Kroeger. “We’ve successfully detected more than two million events and prevented more than 30,000 fatigue and distraction incidents to date around the world. We are pleased to bring this proven technology to market in North America and positively impact highway safety.”

For more information, visit the Seeing Machines website here.