Anti Sleep Pilot: Keeps You Alert

Driving is dangerous. There are so many accidents, and each year yet more cars join the road. Most accidents are caused by "operator error", not mechanical failure or the like. And though the weather is responsible for some, bad driving so often comes down to human behavior. Drinking and driving is one obvious issues, but there are others that are perhaps a bit under the radar. Today's gadget attempts to solve a serious and life-threatening problem- driving while sleepy. It might sound a bit silly, but up to 25% of all fatal traffic accidents can be traced to driver fatigue!

The Anti Sleep Pilot, plain and simple, is a device that keeps you awake through sensors and a customized profile that you setup at the beginning. The idea is that preventing a driver from falling asleep is the important thing, and that even a ten minute break can make a big difference. It's all too easy to get hypnotized by the road, and the ASP uses a few fun tricks to keep you engaged, and also alerts you audibly and visibly when a break is needed.

Installation is simple- you simply use the magnetic base to attach it to your dashboard. It works with any car, and is totally self-contained. Each individual needs to go through a quick setup process that helps determine waking reaction time among other factors. And multiple users can use the same device. Once on the move, the device continuously monitors a bunch of statistics to help determine your alertness. Every so often, you are "tested" on your reaction time to a simple touch/tap indication. A meter gradually fills up, so you can visually see your own tiredness start to build. And when the counter hits the red, you should probably take a break.

Supposedly, there are 26 different factors being used to calculate your "Fatigue Quotient"- things like an accelerometer, a clock, light and sound sensors all play a role. The single AAA battery last a long time- it never ran out on us. We liked the solid unit, and tried the ASP out on a long road trip requiring some night driving. We played around with some environmental changes- playing music, trying to fake the light sensor, and it seemed to adjust appropriately. Of course, changing drivers is always best, and we might've liked some more options for drivers who were alone- number games or something to keep you interacting.

The Anti Sleep Pilot won't drive your car or wake you up in the instant you fall asleep. But it does a great job of keeping you awake gently, and firmly modifying your behavior to be a safer driver. At $160, it feels reasonably priced, though the iPhone app is highly recommended (and much less expensive, at $20). We'd recommend the ASP highly for anyone who ends up driving at night, or finds themselves in need of ever more coffee to safely finish the commute.