Drivers and passengers like being safe. That’s why the auto industry is constantly evolving, coming up with new ways to keep the driver and the car’s occupants out of harm’s way. One of the most recent developments in driver safety is called Attention Assist.
Created by Mercedes-Benz, Attention Assist monitors the driver’s actions, looking for signs of fatigue. Whenever the engine is started, the computer looks at dozens of parameters to determine how the driver is operating the vehicle. After a few minutes, the computer creates a profile for the driver while they are in their “alert” state. As you continue to drive, the computer looks for telltale signs of tiredness, such as constant small corrections in the steering wheel.
What the Attention Assist light means
The Attention Assist light is used as a recommendation for the driver to take a break from driving. It’s intended to come on before a driver gets too tired so that he or she can safely find a safe location to pull over and rest up. The system will compare the driver’s actions to the road conditions and will take note of rough roads and crosswinds. If the computer decides that the driver is the cause of abnormal driving, it will turn on the Attention Assist light on the dashboard.
Is it safe to drive with the Attention Assist light on?
Hopefully you will never have to see this message while driving. Understanding your limits is very important when driving long distances. Driving for too long can put you in a state where you won't be able to react quickly enough to keep yourself safe and focussed on the road. Attention Assist has been extensively tested by Mercedes-Benz and doesn’t come on unnecessarily. Heed the warning light and keep yourself attentive and safe. If you are experiencing any issues with your Attention Assist system, our certified technicians are available to help you identify any problems.
