In-car imminent crash alarms can cut accident rates drastically

A new study has suggested an in-car alarm that sounds when sensors detect an imminent crash, could help in cutting out the crash rates from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 for tiring long journey drivers.

The study conducted by Inderscience Publishers explained that the rate of fatigue-induced accidents in which drivers deviate from their lane or the road, might be reduced if collision alarms are installed in the vehicles.

The researchers observed that almost 18 percent of the drivers who were not given an auditory warning crashed in the simulated collision, whereas only 11 percent had a collision if the alarm was sounded as old drivers maintain greater following distance than the youngsters so they get longer reaction time after the alarm alerts them.

In addition to this they noticed that the auditory warnings were most effective in the older group, but it had little impact on crash rates in drivers under the age of 35, whereas young female drivers responded safely when the alarm sound but young males didn't.

The study concluded that an in-car collision alarm could be a useful safety device for vehicles, as they warned the drivers and would avoid drivers becoming complacent and ignorant over the signs of tiredness.

The study is published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics.