If the FMCSA can figure out a way to hardwire this into a Black Box, they're gonna, you betcha.



The Smart Cap

Originally designed for miners by Australia's CRC Mining Corporation, the hat monitors a driver's brain waves for signs of fatigue. If the hat determines the driver is sleepy, it relays a warning signal to a computer screen in the cab (or a cellphone as the image above illustrates, and if a cellphone, then you can bet a monitored Black Box will be at the top of the list) and give a warning sign recommending rest. Apparently, trials of the hat are being credited with reducing fatalities for drivers at CRC Mining from 40 in 2007 to 27 in 2008. Now CRC is hoping that their technology can be made available to all drivers sometime in the near future.

It's a kewl idea, especially if it works as advertised, and if it works it would be smart to have one. But, also, if it works, the FMCSA will figure out a way to make it mandatory, whether you like to wear baseball caps or not.

Further on down the line the hat will morph into a crash helmet, because crash helmets will save far more lives than seat belts will. Seat belts are mandatory pretty much everywhere over the objections that they mess up your clothes, but state and local governments know they can't get away with forcing people to wear helmets when they drive. The Smart Cap will be the first step. First CDL drivers, then the rest of the public. Then helmets for all. Yay! <snort>

On a side note, one of the best comments about this that I've read is:

"The Smart Cap - Monitors brainwave activity (non-functional when uses by Democrats)