Scientific studies indicate that around 25 percent of all serious accidents occurring on motorways are caused by overtired drivers. In other words, overtiredness is responsible for more accidents than driving under the influence of alcohol.

During long-distance journeys in the dark, or under unchanging conditions at a constant cruising speed, the risk of the "one-second nap" is greatest because the driver's attention lapses and monotony increases the danger of falling asleep. Studies have shown that the reaction times of drivers can be 50 per cent longer after only four hours of non-stop driving. The risk of an accident is doubled after this length of time and after six hours of driving it is no less than eight times as high.

With the newly-developed 'Attention Assist', Mercedes-Benz is continuing its practically-oriented commitment to accident prevention as already demonstrated through innovations such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) and Brake Assist, which have already led to a measurable improvement in traffic safety.

Attention Assist monitors the driving behaviour of the driver, generating an individual driver profile which is constantly compared to a flow of sensor data. This continuous monitoring is important, so that the system can recognise the driver's transition from alertness to drowsiness and warn them in sufficient time.

Steering characteristics as the most important indicator of fatigue

In addition to the vehicle speed and linear/lateral acceleration, the Mercedes system also registers steering wheel movements, indicator and pedal operation, plus a number of specific control operations and external influences such as side winds or uneven road surfaces. Monitoring the driver's steering behaviour has proved to be particularly relevant, as an overtired driver has difficulty in keeping the vehicle precisely on track. They make minor steering errors which are often quickly corrected in a characteristic manner. Intensive tests by Mercedes engineers involving more than 550 male and female drivers have shown that this effect already commences during an early phase of the onset of fatigue – usually before the highly dangerous "one-second nap".

The 'heart' of the Mercedes system is an extremely sensitive sensor that enables the steering movements and their speed to be monitored very precisely.