The NHTSA drowsy/fatigued driver research program focuses on the development of a vehicle-based driver drowsiness detection and warning system. NHTSA developed a detailed concept of system operation and is supporting R&D on detection algorithm refinement, sensor development, and driver interface;​ i.e., advisory messages and alerting stimuli. A large system development, test, and evaluation project is fabricating a field-testable prototype for use in combìnatìon-unit trucks, and obtaining over-the-road data on system performance and useability.

In addition, ongoing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) R&D relating to larger classes of crashes win also have the potential to reduce drowsy driver crashes. This includes ITS crash countermeasure performance specification programs on single vehicle roadway departure crashes and rear-end crashes, and the ITS concept of Automatic Coliisìon Notification which will speed the emergency medical response to crashes in general.

NHTSA's research program also seeks to better assess the driver drowsiness/fatigue probìem. Recent analyses of NHTSA crash databases have enhanced our understanding of crash characteristics and, in particular, have led to better estimates of crash problem size. Ultimately, however, direct observation of drivers using ìn-vehicle monitoring devices will provide the most valid data on driver drowsiness. NHTSA has developed, and is deploying, a sophisticated, unobtrusive instrumentation suite in a fleet of vehicles to obtain "real world" data on safety-related driver performance, behavior, and alertness.

Family, the agency recognizes that technology is not the total solution to driver drowsiness/fatigue. NHTSA'S program encompasses R&D on non-technological approaches — i.e., public infomation and education — to prevent these crashes. Ultimately, these two approaches have synergistic and, perhaps, fundamental effects on the public's driving behavior and sleep hygiene.