Long-distance drives on the road demand a lot from truck drivers – not least constant attention. Volvo has now expanded the driver warning system called Driver Alert Support and added an eye-tracking camera.
Recognizing signs of fatigue
The system is designed to warn drivers who show signs of inattention or fatigue and contribute to greater safety on the road.
„After several hours of driving, it can be difficult to stay awake and focused behind the wheel. Our updated 'Driver Alert Support' is even better at detecting and warning drivers who show signs of fatigue or distraction“, said Anna Wrige Berling, Director of Traffic and Product Safety
at Volvo Trucks, and added: „Our goal is to support drivers and protect both them and the people with whom they share the road.“
The ongoing development and renewal of safety systems underscores the manufacturer's long-term vision. At the center are zero accidents and safety.
GSR2-compliant
According to the company, the updated assistance aids comply with the EU's updated safety legislation, the General Safety Regulation (GSR2) – including the second step. This will take effect in July 2026 and requires that all trucks in the EU be equipped with Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems.
The new Volvo camera is active at speeds above 18 km/h,
according to the manufacturer. The Driver Alert Support system called Driver Alert Support will be standard for the heavy trucks Volvo FH and Volvo FM as well as the medium-duty trucks Volvo FL and Volvo FE in the EU and in some markets outside the EU, for example in Norway, Switzerland and Great Britain.
In addition, it should be available for other markets. The new system will go into production in November 2025, Volvo announces. Outside the EU, the manufacturer will also continue to offer the current Driver Alert Support with a forward-facing camera.
How does the new system work?
The updated Driver Alert Support is
based on two cameras. An eye-tracking camera is intended to detect signs of distraction based on the drivers' gaze angle. A front camera, on the other hand, serves to track road markings and compare them with the driver's steering movements.
If signs of distraction or fatigue are detected, the driver is to be warned with a pop-up message and an audible warning. If the inattentive driving continues, a new pop-up message appears together with an escalated acoustic warning.
The system automatically turns on as soon as the ignition is switched on, according to the manufacturer. The Driver Alert Support system can be deactivated via a switch
