FUTURE SCOPE

In the U.S., about a quarter of all car accidents — 3,28,000

annually — involve driving fatigue. These crashes cause an estimated
30,000 deaths every year, making drowsy driving almost as
dangerous as drunk driving. The magnitude of this problem is
shocking — and so is its solution.
Steer is a bracelet that will give you a “gentle” electric shock if you
are close to falling asleep. It works by using 16 sensors that are
equipped within the band. These sensors monitor various vital
signs — similarly to the way a polygraph machine records your
physiological indicators. Steer measures heart rate and skin
conductance to determine how drowsy the wearer is.
If Steer finds that you are getting a little drowsy, it will alert you by
vibrating. But if it determines you are on the brink of sleep, then it
will deploy an electrical jolt — for your own good, of course. The
device checks on you every two seconds and has a battery life of two
weeks, so you can rest assured (while wide awake) that Steer will
keep you safe on your next road trip . Steer’s makers are taking
orders on their Kickstarter page, where the band is currently
available for 99€ ($115). It is slated for mass production this fall, with
delivery to follow in November . But while it is vital — literally — to
stay awake while driving, it’s also important to get good rest on a
regular basis. You shouldn’t have to be shocked awake on every
excursion. On that front, check out these gadgets that will you catch
some Z’s once you get safely to your destination.