Dutch Bus Drivers to Test Fatigue Warning Technology

A Dutch luxury bus company is testing technology – already used in the mining industry – that monitors whether a driver is becoming drowsy.

Royal Beuk BV said Tuesday it is outfitting 20 vehicles with a system designed by Australian company Seeing Machines. It uses infrared light and a camera to register eye movements for signs a driver may be close to nodding off, and sounds an alarm.

Canberra-based Seeing Machines has previously signed deals with Caterpillar and BHP Billiton.

After trials for this winter and next summer’s holiday seasons, Beuk says it will act as European distributor for Seeing Machines.