Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/680184
tion and audible alerts, such as low rumbles, beeps and a whistle. The Guardian system is currently be- ing tested by six small and large U.S. fleets. It was initially launched in the mining industry, says Chris Sluss, vice president of business development. During the fleet tests, Seeing Machines monitored fatigue and distracted driv- ing events for a 30-day period without activating alerts to the driver or fleet to establish a baseline. The testing then continued for a 30-day period with the alerts active. The statistics from the six studies show that alerts, when activated, reduce fatigue and distracted driving events by 30 to 90 percent, he says. While some drivers may feel uncom- fortable with a camera pointed at their face, "it's not about big brother," Sluss says. "We're not here to watch you; we are here to protect you." The system only sends reports to the fleet when critical events occur, he says. Otherwise all of the data stays onboard the vehicle. The adoption of systems like these will largely depend on how drivers perceive being moni- tored by more technol- ogy. Will they see it as a tool to keep them safe or as something they would rather do without? PGT Trucking's Gregg Troian sees both attitudes at play among drivers. "My guess is that it will be a part of PGT in some way shape or form, but we will probably not force all drivers to use it. I think that is a little dras- tic." • 34 www.bigrigowner.com J U N E 2 0 1 6 Looking At You The Guardian fatigue management system from Seeing Machines gives drivers instant alerts when it detects risk due to distracted or fatigued driving.