A new app alerts drivers via their phone or smartwatch when their driving becomes aggressive.
The Driving Styles app, developed at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, uses Bluetooth technology to extract data on speed, fuel consumption, revs, acceleration, etc. from the vehicle’s electronic control unit. Connecting via the OBD-II diagnostics port, fitted as standard in cars manufactured after 2000, the device then processes this information and instantly sends it to the user’s mobile device.
The latest version of the app also incorporates the use of heart rate monitors.
As well as warning about dangerous driving patterns, the app helps drivers keep track of fuel consumption, CO2 levels and money spent for each journey.
Juan Carlos Cano and Carlos M. Taveres at the university’s Networking Research Group told R&I World that the application brings together data from the vehicle, heart monitor and smartwatch in real time and records it with the corresponding time and location tags.
The driver’s smartphone processes the data to analyse their behaviour behind the wheel, classifying their driving style as either calm, normal or aggressive based on percentage scores. If the app detects dangerous driving patterns, users receive an alert via their mobile phone or smartwatch.
A global database of all drivers managed at the Polytechnic University of Valencia will also allow comparison of driving styles between countries and help identify the areas in each city that cause drivers the most stress.
