New technology making its debut in 2013 automobile models may be key in reducing the number of car accidents caused by drowsy drivers. American automaker Ford Motor Company has announced plans to outfit two of its 2013 models -- the Ford Fusion and Ford Explorer -- with advanced "lane-keeping technology" designed to detect signs of drowsy driving and keep drivers in their lane. If effective, the new technology could save the lives of many drivers who crash their cars after becoming drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel.

The lane-keeping technology utilizes external cameras mounted on the car and pointed down toward the roadway. The cameras detect the painted lane-marking lines on roadways and monitor the vehicle's distance to the lines. If the car is swerving or demonstrating other common characteristics of drowsy driving, the technology triggers a vibration of the steering wheel to alert drivers that they are driving dangerously.

If the driver does not respond by taking control of the wheel, the lane-keeping technology then takes over the power steering system and keeps the vehicle in its lane and on the road.

Despite these positives, there are concerns about the efficacy of the lane-keeping technology in adverse weather conditions. The cameras are not effective in identifying lane markers in rain, snow and even bright sunlight reflected off the roadway, and it could be useless in these situations.

Consequently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has declined to make a judgment on the lane-keeping technology pending further research and evidence concerning its use.

Source: New York Times, "Trying to nudge drowsy drivers" Randall Stross, Jan. 21, 2012