A final word from the project coordinators
The PANACEA project has contributed to advancing road safety by developing a comprehensive, 24-hour driver monitoring solution. This innovative solution focuses on detecting and managing various driver impairments and states, including fatigue, stress, alcohol and drug consumption, and distraction. By targeting these critical factors, PANACEA aims to improve fitness to drive among professional drivers and riders, ultimately reducing collisions and contributing to safer transport networks.
Throughout the project, extensive real-life and simulator testing was conducted with diverse driver groups and operators across Europe, providing valuable insights into the solution’s usability, acceptance and its impact on driver behaviour:
Sweden: Shuttle operators embraced the solution’s fatigue detection capabilities. They responded positively, appreciating how the technology could enhance their alertness and overall safety on the road.
Greece: Here the response was mixed among professional drivers. Taxi drivers exhibited cautious adoption rates, perhaps due to concerns about privacy or workflow disruption. In contrast, courier riders demonstrated significant potential for improvement. 70% of them reported potential behaviour changes after receiving fatigue alerts, indicating a willingness to enhance sleep habits and attentiveness.
Spain: Coach drivers were initially sceptical about the new technology. However, as they engaged with the solution, it showed promise in raising awareness about the risks associated with fatigue. This led to discussions about driver well-being and safety practices within their professional community.
These pilot studies highlight that PANACEA’s solutions have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the driver type and operational context. The feedback gathered provides a solid foundation for further solution refinement and supports the case for broader implementation across different transportation sectors.
The project also demonstrated economic benefits. By investing in advanced driver monitoring solutions like PANACEA, transport companies can achieve substantial cost savings. These savings stem from a reduction in road collisions, which in turn leads to lower insurance premiums and fewer operational disruptions. The positive cost-benefit ratio underscores that PANACEA’s approach not only enhances safety but also delivers tangible financial value to both transport companies and society at large.
Aligning with the EU’s Vision Zero targets, the outcomes of the PANACEA project contribute to a future with zero road deaths. By offering a proactive approach to managing driver impairments, the solution enhances safety for drivers and the wider public alike. The project’s achievements represent a significant step forward in creating safer roads and healthier driving environments for professional drivers across Europe.
As the PANACEA project concludes, we extend our gratitude to all partners, participants, and stakeholders who contributed to its success. Together, we’ve made significant strides toward a safer future on the roads.
The PANACEA project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 953426.