Car 6

Toyota Ireland says more than 22 million kilometres have been driven by users of its FaceItDown app since the initiative was launched in August 2017, writes Brian Byrne . If users leave their mobile phone screen down while using the app and driving, they gain points towards rewards. These include discounts at Q-Park, a free hot drink at Circle K stores, or €50 off FBD car insurance. More than 49,000 motorists have installed the app in the last two years, and over 36,000 awards have been redeemed by users. Research shows that when using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you’re four times more likely to crash than someone who is not using a hand-held phone.

So you think you have some privacy over your mood in the space of your own car? Jaguar-Land Rover figure they can change that, writes Brian Byrne . The company is working on Artificial Intelligence based systems that will read your mood, and change the cabin ambience to lower stress levels. Changes made could include switching to calmer ambient lighting colours, or selecting a music playlist to revive drivers in whom the system senses weariness. Yawning or other signs of tiredness could have the cabin temperature lowered to compensate. The technology uses a driver-facing camera and biometric sensing to monitor and evaluate the driver’s mood. The company says the technology is part of its 'tranquil sanctuary' vision for future safer driving. The need for this is said to be based on research that suggests three in four drivers experience stress on a daily basis.