Gadget Of The Week Could Save Your Life

Friday, 2. September 2011

My gadget of the week is called Anti Sleep Pilot. It attaches magnetically to a 3M pad on your dashboard and consists of a small disc shaped device with light and audio monitors built in. The unit is powered by a single AAA battery and powers on automatically when attached to the dashboard. Mercedes now have an Attention Assist system built into their top spec models and whilst both systems carry out a similar job the ASP device is relatively cheap. The unit has to be set up for you which requires you to complete a questionnaire giving your age, gender, whether you use your car for business or pleasure etc.

From these questions a score is achieved which is then set on the unit, this only has to be done once. When you get into the car the unit will ask you how tired you feel then adjusts its settings accordingly.

During the journey the unit beeps and flashes at you as it tests your reaction times compared to the length of time driving. You can stop the beeping by simply tapping the unit.

It will warn you if you need a 10 minute nap and will even count down the 10 minutes for you. With nearly 20% of road accidents attributed to tiredness the unit makes sense but only you can decide it it’s worth the £130 price tag. I guess if driving is part of your job it can be justified. You can see the device by going to www.antisleeppilot.com. By Graham Hill