Loughborough University wants car drivers for new research.

The idea is to test the next generation of motoring technology as part of a European road safety project.

The i-DREAMS consortium has developed technology which monitors driving style and the surrounding environment to determine if a driver is ‘within acceptable boundaries of safe operation for the current conditions’.

Is it you?

The equipment will monitor factors that can lead to hazardous situations, such as fatigue, sleepiness or distraction.

Real-time warnings will alert drivers if they go outside the safe operation zone. Meanwhile, post-trip feedback will give drivers better insight into their own behaviour and help them improve their driving performance.

This is the second phase of the project looking at real time road use. The volunteers will be testing the technology and its ability to help improve driving.

The researchers, part of Loughborough University’s Transport Safety Research Centre, are looking for people who:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Hold a full UK driving licence
  • Live within an hour of Loughborough
  • Travel an average of 6,000 miles-a-year
  • Own an Android phone
  • Have access to a car with fully comprehensive insurance

New tech safety

As part of the study, sensors will be installed in the vehicle to monitor the driver and environment.

The primary sensor is Mobileye. This is used to measure the distance between vehicles but includes collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane departure warning.

The combined in-vehicle system also measures variables such as speed and acceleration.

In addition, there is and App and a wearable wristband. These provide information on fatigue and sleepiness, and a forward-facing dashcam records video when triggered by an ‘event’ – for example, a harsh braking event.

Monied motivation

Due to the restrictions in place because of coronavirus, a start date has not yet been agreed, but the team is looking for people to volunteer now so that the study can start as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Anyone who would like to take part in the study can register their interest by visiting the Loughborough University website.

Participants will receive £250 if they participate until the end of the trial.

The i-DREAMS consortium consists of 13 partners, including research institutions as well as industry partners, from eight different countries. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.