GM patents road rage prevention system that can take over if vehicle loses control

According to foreign media reports, General Motors has applied for a patent called "Vehicle Occupant Mental Wellbeing Assessment and Countermeasure Deployment", focusing on a series of sensors and modules that can assess the situation inside the car. Depending on the situation, such sensors and modules may trigger various countermeasures to prevent unpleasant situations during driving.

General Motors patent diagram (Image source: motor1.com)

The patent, filed by GM in November 2022 and published on May 16, 2024, mentions that the system will monitor the driver and other passengers in the vehicle. Nonetheless, one does not need to read between the lines to speculate that the patent has a wider range of applications, as the patent description clearly mentions that telemetry monitoring can be performed for situations such as sudden braking or acceleration, tailgating, horn use, and in-vehicle conversation monitoring.

GM briefly describes the system, noting that its goal is to assess the driver's mental health while driving and take appropriate action if the driver's alertness exceeds the expected range. The patent document is more specific about the various negative stimuli that the driver and "various occupants" are exposed to that can induce stress. This is where the system comes into play, using multiple sensors to monitor vehicle operation and biometric sensors to observe the driver.

So if the driver swerves, tailgates the car ahead or swears loudly, the system will determine that their mental state is not suitable for driving and take a series of measures to correct it. It starts with a simple reminder, then recommends the driver to do "exercises" such as deep breathing, then a higher level suggestion is to use the car's hands-free system to call someone, and the third level will automatically contact a professional advisor to calm the driver.

Another potentially controversial scenario is to remove the driver from vehicle control by activating one or more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The patent states that ADAS "is configured to provide a degree of automated vehicle control functionality... such that driving or other functions of the vehicle are controlled without the need for active driver involvement."

As with all patents, it's uncertain whether this idea will make it to production. Driver reminders and phone calls are possible, but more advanced operations such as forced activation of driver assistance systems may be risky. In any case, the driver should remain calm while driving. Otherwise, future vehicles may suspend the driver until he/she regains his/her senses.