"Using Brainwave Information for Drowsiness Prevention Project Reduces Driver Inattention by 25-30%: Gyeonggi Research Institute"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province's 'Pilot Project for Drowsiness Prevention Using Brainwave Information,' introduced to prevent drowsy driving accidents among public bus drivers, has been analyzed to show significant results.

On the 18th, the Gyeonggi Research Institute announced in the report titled 'Creating Safer Public Buses Without Drowsy Driving' that the pilot project using brainwave information reduced drivers' inattentiveness (drowsiness) by 25-30%.

The institute conducted the pilot project last October to November on 20 public bus drivers in the province, following the 2017 'Gyeongbu Expressway Intercity Bus Drowsy Driving Accident' that caused 18 casualties. The project was proposed by Hyundai Mobis and involved 'Mbrain' (an earset-type inattentiveness warning device measuring brainwaves).

The pilot project collected drivers' brainwave information using an earset-type sensor and provided warning alerts when inattentiveness (drowsiness) was detected.

Upon checking the number of inattentive states per 15 meters driven, the institute analyzed that inattentiveness occurrences decreased by 25.3% when Mbrain was activated compared to when it was not. During post-meal periods, when drowsiness is most likely, the reduction increased to 29.7%.

Notably, the time taken to return to normal driving attention after inattentiveness was usually 6.7 seconds, but with the Mbrain alarm activated, it returned in just 2.3 seconds.

Accordingly, the institute suggested that the 'earset-type inattentiveness warning device measuring brainwaves,' which can directly manage accidents, is a more effective countermeasure than preventive alternatives such as reducing drivers' working hours, and recommended its phased introduction to Gyeonggi Province public buses.

Specific proposals include ▲starting with the introduction of 300 units by the end of this year, expanding to all public bus routes in 2024, and further expanding to city, intercity, and general buses by 2025 ▲establishing cooperative systems and promoting technological stabilization and advancement ▲advancing into mobility digital healthcare technology integrating emergency situation detection and response for bus passengers.

Kim Jeom-san, Senior Research Fellow at the Gyeonggi Research Institute, explained, "The survey results indicate that introducing a bus safety driving support system can prevent bus drivers' drowsy driving in advance, improve self-management among bus drivers, and increase users' trust and ridership."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.