Mazda will launch new vehicles that can detect drivers' ability to act and dispose of them in a timely manner

Mazda is currently working to produce a car that can determine when its driver has suffered a stroke or heart attack and thus loses control of the car. According to the Japanese auto company, it is building this project with Tsukuba University Hospital and other medical experts to refine algorithms to determine the difference between incapacitated and healthy drivers.

Using the collected image data, the cameras in the car will analyze the situation. Once a driver is detected with a health problem, the car's co-pilot concept automatically stops and the car is parked in a safe place (e.g., curbside). Subsequently, the car's system will be triggered, flashing its red flag lights and flashers, and also honking the horn. In connection with this, the communication system will urgently call ambulances and police for faster medical care.

According to Takahiro Tochioka, an engineer in charge of the project, Mazda also aims to produce a technology capable of predicting and warning drivers of unexpected health problems in advance (expected in 2025). In this system, the car will comprehensively assess the individual's vision and attention, head movements, irregularities in driver driving habits, and much more. Since privacy can be an issue, Tochioka guarantees that the personal data collected by the car system will remain private and secure.

Tochioka, on the other hand, stressed that the success of the technology still depends on the "understanding and cooperation" of the drivers around the car. According to Mazda, it can help the public easily spot drivers in distress to get the emergency assistance they need. In addition, these cars can also be able to raise the age limit of the driver while assuring the safety of the driver to family and friends.

According to Mazda, this new feature will be available in a variety of models in the future, regardless of its price. This gives it an added advantage, especially now that other big automakers such as Toyota motor Company and Volkswagen are also developing the same concept. Still, due to social acceptance issues, it won't be too early to offer the above features in the U.S. Therefore, Mazda plans to launch this technology in Europe after testing in the Japanese market.