Driver fatigue and distraction technology for oil and gas fleets
When it comes to driver safety technology within the European oil and gas industry, requirements are becoming increasing complex. We explore the difference between AFDD devices, DDAW systems, and ADDW systems.
In Europe, there are a number of regulations and recommendations for driver fatigue and distraction technology for oil and gas fleets.
Further to our article on AFDD devices and other safety systems, we explore the difference between Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection (AFDD) devices, Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) systems, and Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems.
Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection (AFDD) devices
The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) recommends the use of AFDD devices in their report Land transportation safety practice.
AFDD devices use sensors to track various signals, such as eye movements and facial expressions. The system then analyses these signals to detect signs of fatigue or distraction, such as eyelid drooping, head nodding, or repeated off-road glances.
When driver fatigue or distraction is detected, the device alerts the driver through visual, auditory, or haptic signals to prompt them to take a break or regain focus.
The IOGP recommends Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection devices should use artificial intelligence (AI) camera-based technology, be tested for their accuracy in a variety of scenarios, and comply with local data privacy requirements and laws.
Key points about AFDD devices
- Recommendation only (global)
- Must use camera-based technology
- Must detect fatigue OR drowsiness, and distraction
- Must provide real-time alerts (acoustic, visual and/or haptic)
Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) systems
DDAW systems detect early signs of driver fatigue and provide timely warnings to encourage corrective action.
DDAW systems can use various detection technologies including a camera-based Driver Monitoring System (DMS), steering input analysis, and physiological sensors, to continuously monitor a driver’s level of drowsiness. The system is required to issue non-intrusive visual, audible, or haptic alerts when the driver reaches a drowsiness threshold based on scientific sleepiness measures.
Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning systems must function under all lighting and weather conditions, comply with strict data privacy laws, and be automatically activated within set speed thresholds.
Key points about DDAW systems
- Required by law (Europe only)
- Can use various detection technologies
- Must detect drowsiness based on Karolinska Sleepiness Scale or equivalent scientific measure
- Must provide real-time acoustic and visual alerts
- Must operate on closed loop system
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems
ADDW systems use camera-based technology to monitor a driver’s focus and provide immediate alerts when distraction is detected.
ADDW systems are required to continuously track a driver’s gaze across three key areas – forward view, peripheral areas, and downward areas like the dashboard – and issue real-time alerts to redirect attention to the road when necessary. Based on vehicle speed and distraction duration, these alerts must include a visual warning, plus an acoustic and/or haptic warning.
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning systems are required to meet a range of operating conditions, performance criteria and data privacy specifications.
Key points about ADDW systems
- Required by law (Europe only)
- Must use camera-based technology
- Must detect distraction
- Must provide real-time visual alerts, in addition to acoustic and/or haptic warnings
- Must operate on closed loop system
Comparing driver fatigue and distraction technology for oil and gas fleets
Below is a summary of the key differences between AFDD devices, DDAW systems and ADDW systems. If you’re looking for one solution to meet all of the regulations and recommendations, check out our Guardian solution.
| Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection | Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning | Advanced Driver Distraction Warning |
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