Volkswagen's technology can take control from unresponsive drivers

In recent developments, Volkswagen has introduced its Emergency Assist system as part of its IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance technologies. This system is designed to mitigate the risks associated with driver fatigue, a significant cause of traffic accidents in Canada. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators highlighted that driver fatigue is the third leading cause of collisions in the country, trailing only speed-related incidents and impairment. A report published by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police noted that in 2018, fatigue was a factor in 20 percent of fatal collisions. The Emergency Assist technology works by monitoring the driver's responsiveness through multiple visual and audio alerts. If the driver fails to respond, the system takes control by pulling the vehicle over to the side of the road in a safe manner. In addition, it contacts first responders and activates the horn to alert surrounding drivers, which can prove essential during emergencies when the driver loses consciousness or falls asleep. This functionality is particularly critical given the alarming statistics concerning driver fatigue. While the system is currently available on all Volkswagen models sold in Canada, Volkswagen has not provided a timeline for when or if this will be rolled out in the Canadian market. However, the automaker has indicated that future functions of Emergency Assist may be available in European models in the future. This indicates the company's commitment to enhancing safety features and responding to the growing concerns around driver attention and emergency response. As technology progresses, other manufacturers are also exploring advanced driver-assistance systems. While systems like GM's Super Cruise and Ford's Blue Cruise utilize detailed Lidar maps and sophisticated sensors, they do not possess the capability to autonomously pull the vehicle over in an emergency situation. This places Volkswagen’s Emergency Assist in a unique position as one of the first systems to provide this critical feature, showcasing a significant leap forward in vehicle safety technology. Such advancements are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the risks associated with driver fatigue on the road.