Magna mirror on the lookout for distracted, drowsy drivers

As drivers watch the road, their cars will be watching them.

While some automakers use sensors on the steering column to track the driver's attention, Magna's Driver Monitoring System is built into an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The system analyzes the driver's head, eyes and body to detect distracted or drowsy driving. The camera-based system also uses infrared sensors. It can predict when a driver might not be paying enough attention and send an alert using a vehicle's audio or visual notifications.

In October, Magna and Seeing Machines announced a deal to co-market the rearview mirror device.

Automakers are preparing for European regulations in 2026 that will require that all new vehicles have some driver-monitoring technology, among other advanced safety features. This fall, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a new rule in the U.S. that would use in-cabin monitoring to prevent drunken driving.