New device, application tells drivers when they are too tired to drive

MELBOURNE - A new device and phone application will let drivers know when they’re too tired to drive.he Queensland invention that gauges driver fatigue will soon be available as a mobile phone application and at touch-screen kiosks.

Former hospitality worker Natalie Tindale invented the ‘Fatigue Calculator’ after she experienced ‘micro sleeps’ while driving after working 12-hour shifts for 14 days straight.

The calculator was developed in 12 months in collaboration with Professor Drew Dawson, director of the Centre for Sleep Research at the University of South Australia.

Its functions will become available as an iPhone or mobile phone application costing less than 50 pounds from September at www.fatiguecalculator.com.au and iTunes, reports The Courier Mail.

The application may also soon be available on touch-screen kiosks at service stations, fatigue rest stops on highways, truck depots and selected work sites.

Professor Dawson said that fatigue was one of the ‘fatal four’ causes of accidents along with drink driving, speeding and not wearing seat belts.

Tindale said the calculator allowed the user to forecast their fatigue and plan how much sleep they needed before long work shifts or driving stints.he calculator provides a ‘Fatigue Likelihood Score’ of low, moderate, high or extreme. (ANI)