Driver Monitoring Systems will change the road safety landscape in Spain

Ever get the feeling you’re being watched… by your own car? You may soon experience this feeling if you’ve never experienced it before. Driver Monitoring Systems, or DMS for short, are the latest tech trend heading for Spain’s roads – and whether you love gadgets or find them a bit spooky, they’re about to become as common as the satnav.

What exactly is a DMS then? Simple: It’s one or more cameras discreetly tucked above your dashboard that quietly check to see if you pay attention to the road. This is not Hollywood-style surveillance, but a friend who watches you and nudges you when you begin to drift off or become distracted by the radio.

The old days of your car caring only about oil changes and seatbelts are gone. The next generation of vehicles actually ‘sees’ your face and notices if your eyelids start drooping or if you’re gazing longingly out the side window. It’s like having your mother in the passenger seat without the constant nagging over your driving playlist.

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You might wonder: “Isn’t this a little bit Big Brother?” You’re certainly not the only one. There’s a good reason why there are extra eyes in the car. This technology will be available soon, according to EU plans. It is not required to use the word “Muslim” in all new cars—part of a Europe-wide push to cut down on crashes caused by tired, distracted, or even tipsy drivers.

It’s not only the safety beeps. The latest DMS systems include artificial intelligence that learns your driving habits, including how often you blink and where you look. They can even detect the way you slump on long trips. You’ll be warned if you are zoning out, or if your concentration is slipping before you even realize it. You could be taken over by some cars if your alertness isn’t up to par. They will gently slow things down, if necessary.

Mercedes, BMW and other ‘normal’ brands are also introducing DMS in their family cars. Renault, Peugeot and plenty of ‘normal’ brands are rolling out DMS in their family motors. In fact, the Renault Espace will now spot who’s driving, set your favourite station, and make sure you’re not snoozing at the wheel—all in one go.

DMS: from fancy extras to everyday necessities

This level of technology used to be only found in the most expensive cars. As with Bluetooth speakers and electric windows, the technology is now available to all. Euro NCAP, the people who test cars to make a living, now rates models according to their DMS features. Spain’s road safety regulations will follow suit.

Not everyone is happy. Some drivers say it feels a bit intrusive—who wants their car watching every twitch? Most of us, however, will likely get used to the technology if it leads to fewer accidents, and less heartbreak, on the roads.

Take a look around the car next time you jump in. What’s that little black dot in your dashboard? It’s not an air freshener. It’s your car’s way of looking out for you—even when you’re not looking out for yourself.

Welcome to the future: safer, more intelligent, and yes, even a little bit more vigilant than before.