The FitDrive concept was developed in 4 pilot cycles. The first two focused on determining features that are relevant for impairments, with a special focus on the onset of fatigue. This focus on early detection, vs. detection of already present fatigue, allows for timely warnings for the driver. Cycle 1 was performed in driving simulators and Cycle 2 on a closed test track.
For Cycles 3 and 4, correlations of the features were made with features that are easily measured, without invasive sensors, e.g. vehicle parameters. Individual AI models of usual driving styles were created during Cycle 3. These models were then used in Cycle 4 tests to detect unusual behaviour, subsequently related to possible causes of fatigue onset of other driving impairments. Multimodal unsupervised AI technology was developed for these individualised detections.
Prototypes were developed of a cloud-based vehicle monitoring dashboard was developed, a telematics device, a smart tachograph for communications with police patrols, and a portable drug screening device. Specific data-collection software for driving simulators was adapted and improved. Business sustainability plans were developed for these and other components.
FitDrive has advocated intensively for standardisation of fitness-to-drive measurements, with policy makers, e.g. through the new Driving Licence Directive. A request of amendment of the EU regulation that mandates vehicle data availability over OBD ports was initiated with support from the transport sector.
A proposal was made for including fatigue management in professional driver training; and a fatigue management methodology was developed including easy-to-implement tools for transport companies.
The four test cycles were successfully completed, despite a series of technical issues also due to the non -availability of data from several kinds of trucks, and the final tests demonstrated the validity and the potential of the FitDrive system.
During the project implementation it was clear that the project results, which are public to encourage OEMs to use them, may contribute to improve road safety, but need a common agreement to define the parameters of the different levels of measured fatigue and the thresholds beyond which: i) An alert is issued to the driver; ii) The driver is suggested to stop and check her/his status (threshold that could be used in legislation for police controls); iii) The SAE3 system is informed that the driver is not deemed capable of responding to an intervention request. The Consortium ran an extensive campaign targeted to both major stakeholders and EU institutions, including an online questionnaire, targeted newsletters, online workshops with a large participation and a final event at the European Parliament, which was the third one held in that location with the presence of MEPs of the Transport Committee.
