Driver inattention state: an overview of distraction, drowsiness, visual perception and infrared imaging

The identification of driver inattention is of critical importance in the context of road safety, given that inattention constitutes one of the primary causes of road traffic accidents. This paper examines several factors that contribute to driver inattention, with a particular focus on distraction, drowsiness, visual perception and infrared imaging. Distraction can be triggered by external (e.g. mobile phones) or internal (e.g. cognitive load) factors, while drowsiness significantly reduces responsiveness and attention. Visual perception is a key indicator of the driver's state of alertness. Modern driver monitoring systems increasingly use infrared imaging and eye-tracking technologies to analyse eye movements and detect signs of distraction or drowsiness at an early stage. This article provides a general overview of these aspects and shows how technological developments can help to improve the detection of inattention and increase driving safety.