Advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems became mandatory in all new vehicles sold across the European market on 7 July, as the EU’s General Safety Regulation came fully into force for driver distraction warning requirements.
The rule applies to passenger cars, trucks, and buses, making driver monitoring technology a standard safety feature across one of the world’s largest automotive markets.
ADDW systems are designed to detect when a driver becomes visually distracted from the task of driving, for example by looking away from the road, interacting with in-car systems, or using a mobile device. Systems based only on vehicle behaviour, such as steering or lane keeping, are generally not enough to detect visual distraction reliably.
To meet the new requirements, automakers need technology that can assess the driver directly, typically using sensors and software capable of analysing head and eye movements to determine whether the driver’s attention is on the road.
For Smart Eye, the regulation means that the type of direct driver monitoring technology the company has developed for more than two decades is now required across an estimated 15 million vehicles sold in Europe each year.
Martin Krantz, CEO and founder of Smart Eye, said, “7 July is a landmark day for road safety in Europe. For Smart Eye, this is a moment we have been working toward for years. Together with our industry peers, we have achieved something significant: driver monitoring is now a required part of vehicle safety across Europe. But what matters most is that more lives will be saved on Europe’s roads. We believe this regulation will set a precedent for other parts of the world.”
Smart Eye describes itself as a leading provider of Human Insight AI, technology that understands, supports, and predicts human behaviour in complex environments. In automotive, the company’s driver monitoring systems and interior sensing solutions are aimed at improving road safety and the mobility experience.
The mandatory rollout of ADDW technology follows several years of phased implementation under the EU’s General Safety Regulation, which has progressively introduced a range of advanced driver assistance and monitoring requirements for new vehicles sold in the bloc.
