AI-Powered Driver Impairment Detection at AVL ZalaZONE

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 27% of all road traffic deaths worldwide? Driver impairment including intoxication, fatigue, and cognitive distraction is a major safety risk on roads globally.  The good news? Automotive innovators are fighting back — and AI-powered neuromonitoring systems are leading the charge.

Recently, AVL ZalaZONE partnered with CorrActions to run a high-precision, privacy-conscious testing campaign for their cutting-edge AI driver impairment detection technology. Instead of relying on cameras, this solution taps directly into a vehicle’s CANbus data — straight from the electronic control units (ECUs) — to detect impairment accurately, while fully protecting driver privacy.

Inside the Project: Real-World Testing in a Controlled Environment

At our closed proving ground, we recreated real driving scenarios — safely and under strict supervision — to gather valuable data:

• Extensive CANbus Data Collection: Using our closed proving ground with multiple track types including highway, rural, and handling circuits we collected real-world driving data from tens of participants in both sober and intoxicated states.
• Multi-Vehicle Setup: Two identical vehicles equipped with CANEdge devices captured detailed parameters such as steering wheel angle, speed, and pedal positions, enabling deep analysis of driver behaviour.
• Controlled Intoxication Protocol: Participants consumed measured amounts of 40% alcohol beverages, such as vodka or whiskey, to achieve specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels (0.05% EU and 0.08% US limits).
• Safety and Compliance: The project followed strict protocols for BAC verification with DOT-authorized breathalysers, ensuring accurate and compliant data collection.
• Full-Service Project Management – From participant recruitment and safety driver coordination to transport, logistics, and multi-angle video capture — our team handled it all.

Why OEMs & Tier 1s Choose AVL ZalaZONE for Driver Monitoring Tech Testing

At AVL ZalaZONE, we offer more than just high-quality asphalt and track layouts. We provide end-to-end support for automotive testing projects focusing on driver impairment detection:

- Flexible track configurations suitable for diverse driving scenarios

- Expertise in managing complex test protocols for AI neuromonitoring and CANbus data extraction

- Uncompromising commitment to safety, privacy, and compliance

- End-to-end project support — so you can focus on innovation, not logistics

With AVL ZalaZONE, you can accelerate the development of driver monitoring systems that meet EURO NCAP safety protocols and both European and US regulatory requirements.

If your company is developing next-generation driver assistance technologies or neuromonitoring solutions, our automotive test track is your ideal partner for reliable, privacy-conscious, and comprehensive driver impairment testing.