General Motors (GM) is developing a system that goes beyond traditional driving assistants capable of detecting distraction or fatigue. The automaker has filed a U.S. patent for a technology that analyzes a driver’s reflexes, reactions, and habits to calculate a “retirement score,” indicating when they should no longer drive.
The system monitors signs such as drowsiness, reaction time to stimuli, minor steering corrections, adherence to traffic laws, and even interactions with other drivers, like honking.
In addition to alerting the driver about potential risks, the technology will allow registered relatives or guardians to receive notifications, acting as a mediator in delicate decisions about continuing to drive.
The feature also considers medical and physical information shared by the driver, allowing evaluation of whether their driving ability is improving or deteriorating over time.
While stopping driving can mean a loss of independence and social isolation, slower reflexes, reduced vision, and decreased physical endurance make older people a risk behind the wheel.
GM’s system emerges as an attempt to balance safety and independence for elderly drivers.
Source: Quatro Rodas | Photo: Freepik – prostooleh | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
