In the demanding world of New Zealand transport, where long hours and challenging road conditions are a constant, ensuring driver and freight safety is more than just a priority – it’s essential.

With the ongoing risks of driver fatigue and distraction, businesses need a solution that goes beyond basic monitoring. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) are designed to track behaviour and intervene when needed. A DMS reduces fatigue and distraction risks by monitoring drivers in real-time. The most advanced systems detect drowsiness, inattentiveness, and unsafe behaviours. To make the right choice, prioritise features that enhance effectiveness and reliability.

But with many options on the market, how can businesses cut through the clutter to find the DMS that best safeguards their drivers and freight? Here are seven essential features of a quality DMS:

Real-Time Alerts
When it comes to road safety, every second counts. A quality DMS should be capable of issuing real-time alerts to drivers whenever fatigue or distraction is detected. These alerts can come in various forms:

Visual alerts, such as an LED light bar or on-screen notifications.

Audio alerts to get the driver’s attention.

Haptic alerts, such as seat vibrations, are most effective to alert a driver who has fallen into  a micro-sleep state.

A system that integrates multiple types of alerts is most effective for ensuring drivers can respond swiftly and effectively, even in challenging conditions.

Fatigue and Distraction Detection
Look for systems that use AI to monitor both head and eye movements to detect drowsiness and where the driver is focusing. The most effective systems will:

Track blink duration and rate to assess fatigue levels.

Detect subtle signs of distraction, such as drivers glancing away from the road for extended periods when they become distracted by mobile phones.

Charles Dawson, CEO of AutoSense, said Guardian by Seeing Machines – which AutoSense distributes to the NZ market – measures fatigue events like micro-sleeps in real-time.

“Micro-sleeps, where a driver appears to be in a state of sleep, is a genuine concern for us all, with just over 6000 Guardian cameras recording an average of 50.5 micro-sleep events on New Zealand roads every day,” said Dawson.

Seeing Machines has recently launched the driver drowsiness and attention warning (DDAW) feature for Guardian technology in New Zealand, capable of detecting tiredness before a fatigue event happens.

“The new drowsiness detection technology detects drowsiness before a driver gets to the micro-sleep stage by measuring blink rates, facial droop, and head nods. Facial movements are recorded over a seven to nine-minute interval and reported using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), a nine-point scale often used in scientific studies.”

Reliable Detection in All Conditions
Your DMS should perform reliably in any situation, whether the driver is wearing sunglasses, a hat, or even a face mask. Systems that can adapt to different lighting conditions and track behaviours accurately, regardless of external factors, are essential. A strong DMS will:

Work just as effectively at night as it does during the day.

Accurately track head and eye movements, even when drivers wear eyewear or face coverings.

Minimise false positives, which improves driver acceptance and trust in the system. Driver monitoring systems that deliver a high number of false positive alerts will risk overwhelming the driver with alarms and lights, which may lead to them ignoring the signals or, worse, switching off the entire system.

Include forward facing cameras (FFC) to monitor the road ahead. Guardian pairs perfectly with MiTAC which has both FFC and driver facing monitoring to help with incident investigation. The driver facing camera is able to pick up distractions and aggressive behaviour. This combination has been used in 667 trucks in New Zealand since late 2023.

Look for a DMS that has been designed and developed with scientifically proven algorithms which deliver genuine alerts, and are validated by human analysts in real-time.

Human Intervention and Analysis

One of the key differentiators between basic and advanced DMS solutions is the involvement of human analysts. The best system combines technology with human oversight to verify potentially risky events. This dual approach reduces the risk of false alerts, ensures more accurate event classification, and provides fleet managers with higher-quality data.

“Worldwide, 17 billion kilometres have been driven with Guardian systems,” said Dr Angus McKerral, human factors research scientist at Seeing Machines.

“The team has expert analysts working in a 24/7 monitoring centre. The analysts are trained to recognise fatigue and distraction events across a variety of criteria, and when the analyst has seen and validated a fatigue event, and this is communicated to the driver’s employer or fleet manager, the alert reduces the incidence of a fatigue event by 66.2%.”

McKerral said Seeing Machines technology is underpinned by more than 20 years of scientific research into human behaviour in real-time, real-world scenarios, is deployed in automotive manufacturers globally, and used by more than 800 fleets across the world.

Data Insights and Reporting

The value of a DMS extends beyond immediate alerts. The system should offer comprehensive reporting tools that allow fleet managers to analyse trends, identify high-risk behaviours, and make informed decisions to improve safety protocols and shift schedules. Look for a DMS that provides:

Real-time data access through a secure web portal.

Reporting, allowing fleet managers to customise daily, weekly, or monthly reports based on their needs.

Detailed insights into driver behaviour, operational efficiencies, and fleet safety, helping businesses develop targeted training or intervention plans for drivers who consistently exhibit risky behaviours.

Versatile Integration

A DMS should integrate seamlessly with other fleet management tools already used by a business. Compatibility with telematics systems enhances the overall efficiency of a fleet’s operations by streamlining data management and reporting. A system with broad compatibility across all vehicle types, makes, and models ensures businesses can get the most value from their investment without needing to overhaul their current processes.

Scalability and Support

Finally, a DMS should be easy to scale across your fleet and offer ongoing support. Look for subscription-based models that include:

Technology upgrades without the need for additional capital expenditures.

Continuous nationwide technical support to help with installation, rollouts, driver education, and troubleshooting.

Access to a local support team for ongoing guidance and troubleshooting.

Wraparound services such as driver sleep diagnostics to identify issues like sleep apnoea, allowing managers to engage in highly valuable conversations of well-being and support for drivers.

Selecting the right DMS impacts driver safety, freight security, and operational efficiency. By focusing on features like real-time alerts, reliable detection, human oversight, and data insights, New Zealand transport businesses can enhance safety, reduce accidents, and optimise operations. A well-chosen DMS can be the difference between a safe journey and a costly accident.