Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel will be kept alert in the future thanks to new technology developer by SEAT.

Working with Eyesight Technologies, the Spanish car manufacturer has developed advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence systems which will recognise when a driver is falling asleep, if they are distracted by their mobile phone and in the future will also know if the driver has spotted a pedestrian.

The new technology has been developed by Tel Aviv company Eyesight Technologies with the aim of improving road safety. Working with SEAT’s Xplora development team, who are charged with inventing connected car tech and smart mobility services, drivers are given an alert if a unique algorithm recognises a series of signs such as eye openness, angle of vision, blink rate and head position of the driver.

It is believed that the technology can be used to recognise individual drivers and adjust the car settings such as seat position, mirrors, heating settings and even the favourite radio station.

Stefan Ilijevic, the head of product innovation at SEAT, said: "In total more than 90 per cent of the road accidents in Europe are caused by human factor.

"The main reasons include distraction and tiredness, excessive speed and alcohol and drugs.

"At SEAT we are working on solutions to prevent negligence behind the steering wheel and significantly reduce road accidents.

"We partner with some of the world's brightest companies on important technology to save lives, since our long-term vision is a world with zero accidents."

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