INSIGHT: Real-time impaired driving detection powered by SAFER’s long-term data
INSIGHT is a new partner research project aiming to make our roads safer by detecting when a driver is impaired or has reduced driving ability, while the driving is happening. The project uses real-world driving data and looks closely at glance/gaze behaviour to understand what “normal driving” looks like and when something starts to deviate.
Why this matters
Real-time detection of impairment is difficult, but crucial. If the vehicle can understand that something is off, it can warn early and ultimately help prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
One example: the system could warn the driver. If there is no response, the vehicle could then reduce speed and activate hazard lights.
How INSIGHT works
INSIGHT will develop a predictive model that:
- Learns what “normal driving” looks like (using real-world driving data)
- Finds patterns in how people drive and use their gaze
- Detects deviations that may indicate reduced driving ability
- Provides a basis for warnings and smart safety interventions
The key: long-term data built within the SAFER platform
A major strength of INSIGHT is that it builds on the SAFER Naturalistic Driving Data platform; data collected over a long time from real driving in real environments.
INSIGHT continues where FOT-e concluded, using the enhanced and expanded dataset for new research. The project also connects to earlier large-scale initiatives such as EuroF-OT, enabling stronger comparisons, continuity, and progress across projects.
In practice: INSIGHT does not start from scratch - it stands on a solid foundation of data and experience.
Benefits beyond the research
INSIGHT can create value in several ways:
- For drivers: earlier warnings and increased awareness
- For industry: better evidence to build safer, more intuitive driver support
- For society and regulators: stronger, more data-driven road safety policy
Project facts
Full title: Impairment Navigation through Systematic Investigation & Glance Habit Tracking (INSIGHT)
Goal: Real-time detection of impaired driving ability using data analytics and glance behaviour
Duration: 2025-01-01 to 2026-12-31
Funder: VINNOVA FFI
Budget: 3,500,000 SEK
Partners: Halmstad University, Smart Eye AB, Chalmers Industriteknik
Contact: Peyman Mashhadi (peyman.mashhadi@hh.se)
Connection to other projects: FOT-e, Euro-FOT
Data: SAFER Naturalistic Driving Data platform
