Jackie Gleason fans may remember that phrase (from The Honeymooners, I think) but soon your car may be able to monitor your physical and mental health as you travel, and even intercede if things go wrong. It's all thanks to a steering wheel developed by BMW in collaboration with University of Munich researchers.
The new steering wheel incorporates sensors which monitor vital signs and stress levels, using metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, and take measures to reduce distractions or slow down the vehicle.
"Our vision is to get the vehicle to detect when the driver is no longer feeling well and to initiate appropriate measures," said Munich University professor Tim Lueth. "When a stress situation is detected by means of skin conductance values (sweaty palms), phone calls can be blocked, or the volume of the radio turned down automatically. With more serious problems the system could turn on the hazard warning lights, reduce the speed or even induce automated emergency braking."—Paul Duchene
