Surveillance in New Cars: A Shift in Driver Monitoring

Picture this: you just got a new car, and there’s a camera watching you every time you hit the road. It sounds a bit unsettling, right? Well, turns out, most drivers had no idea their vehicles were silently compiling behavioral profiles based on their driving habits.

This week, a significant step has been made across the European Union. All newly registered cars and vans are now required to have internal cameras as part of an advanced driver distraction warning system. This system works when you’re driving at around 19 miles per hour, tracking not just your eyes but also your head position and overall attention. If it senses you might be distracted or drowsy, it sends out a warning.

The reasoning behind this? Officials aim to save lives.

Monitoring Drivers

Distracted driving is undeniably a serious issue. However, the real question is whether constantly keeping tabs on drivers is the solution or if this technology will evolve into something more extensive than just safety monitoring.

The European Commission describes this system as a closed-loop safety feature. It evaluates the driver’s actions inside the car and issues a warning if distraction or drowsiness is detected. Importantly, they assert that no video is recorded or transmitted outside the vehicle.

Yet, a looming question remains: what happens next?

With internal cameras becoming mandatory in all new vehicles, the hardware is already there. Millions of existing vehicles won’t need a redesign to accommodate further functionality. It might only take fresh regulations, software updates, or changes to how data gets utilized.

Over the decades, various safety regulations have gradually introduced new technology to cars. We’ve seen the addition of seat belts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, backup cameras, and more—each contributing to improved safety and becoming standard in the process.

What makes in-car cameras different is that they monitor the driver rather than the road.

The Broader Picture

While Europe is taking the lead, the United States isn’t lagging too far behind. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to devise regulations requiring advanced impaired driving prevention technology in future vehicles. Although NHTSA acknowledges that passive detection systems might not yet be ready for widespread use, in-cabin monitoring remains one of the options on the table.

This discussion is already gaining traction in the U.S.

Adding to concerns is the sheer volume of data modern vehicles collect. Investigations recently revealed that automakers, like General Motors and Honda, share driving behavior data with brokers. This data includes information on hard braking, sudden acceleration, and even speed patterns—all of which insurance companies use to adjust premiums. It’s a little unsettling to think that many drivers didn’t realize their cars were quietly compiling these profiles.

Now, introduce a camera that can note whether you’re looking at the navigation system, reaching for a cup of coffee, or checking on a child in the back seat. It’s all a bit troubling.

As it stands, roadside surveillance has also expanded dramatically. Today’s license plate reader systems can gather more than just plate numbers; they can analyze vehicle make, model, color, features, and even driving patterns. This combination of roadside monitoring with in-car cameras creates an increasingly vivid picture of your driving habits.

The Economic Angle

Let’s not overlook the financial incentives that come with this surveillance. Every initiative has its winners. Camera manufacturers secure a stable market, while software companies establish lengthy licensing agreements. Automakers often pass compliance costs onto consumers, leading to higher vehicle prices. Moreover, the data generated might become valuable in ways that are hard to predict right now.

In essence, it’s the consumer who ultimately foots the bill. They pay increased prices for vehicles while sacrificing a degree or two of privacy, particularly within what has traditionally been one of their last personal spaces—their car.

A Cautionary Tale

Supporters of these systems argue they merely issue warnings, and for now, that may be true. Yet, history shows that once a system is put in place, it often evolves beyond its original purpose. Software gets updated, regulations shift, and what seems inconsequential today can become a game-changer tomorrow.

We’ve already witnessed driving data transit from cars to data brokers and sometimes even insurance companies, as well as the extension of roadside camera networks. Both developments have occurred gradually, not overnight.

Every responsible driver desires safer roads, but what troubles me is the impact of mandatory in-car monitoring in newly equipped vehicles. After over a century, the car has long been a symbol of personal freedom. Yet, as driving increasingly involves constant observation and analysis, the dynamic between drivers and their vehicles will inevitably shift.

Europe has made its decision: new cars must monitor their drivers. It’s about time for Americans to decide if they’re comfortable following down this path before it slowly becomes the norm here.