Korea Transportation Safety Authority, South Korea’s think tank for transportation research, will complete the development of a drowsy driving warning system for bus drivers and seek commercialization of the device within this year.

A pilot device was developed last April and has been tested in five long-distance buses, according to the research institute.

The system identifies drowsy driving based on the driver’s eyes and pupil activities, lane changes and zigzag driving and then activates strong vibration on the waist band worn by the driver.

The authorities will launch a second round of pilot programs by April to fix bugs and increase functional safety.

It also plans to complete K-City, a testing and assessing facility for self-driving cars, and open it to the public within this year, while strengthening its partnership with start-ups associated with self-driving technology.

Self-driving car developers can conduct their tests in K-City with various scenarios and road environments with local road features such as bus only lanes, school zones and toll gates.

By Yeon Gyu-wook and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]