Alert Driving Needs Attention Says Mercedes-Benz

1.9 million fatigue-related crashes or near misses result from sleepiness behind the wheel

MONTVALE, NJ - November 2, 2009: Mercedes-Benz and the National Sleep Foundation want drivers to be alert behind the wheel this holiday season as new data from the 2009 Sleep in America poll point to a significant problem related to drowsy driving. The poll reveals that as many as 1.9 million drivers have had a car crash or a near crash due to drowsiness in the past year. Fifty-four percent have driven while drowsy at least once in the past year, and 28 percent do so at least once per month. Tips, countermeasures and warning-signs to prevent drowsy driving, developed by the National Sleep Foundation are central to Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® this November 2-8, 2009 and are featured at www.sleepfoundation.org.

"Drivers think they can stay awake by sheer force of will and often underestimate their state of tiredness," said Thomas Balkin, Ph.D., Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation. "The process of falling asleep robs us of self-awareness and awareness of our environment. As a result, we do not recognize the process of actually falling asleep as it is happening and, unfortunately, all it takes is a moment of reduced awareness to cause a car crash."

Mercedes-Benz has conducted several years of drowsy driving research in which company scientists observed consistent behaviors during early stages of drowsiness behind the wheel. Tests involving 670 drivers revealed that, prior to entering the microsleep phase, drowsy drivers have trouble steering a precise course in their lane and make minor steering corrections both quickly and abruptly.

Based on this research, Mercedes-Benz developed ATTENTION ASSIST, a new drowsiness-detection system that identifies these behaviors and alerts the driver to the first signs of fatigue.

ATTENTION ASSIST, available in the 2010 E-Class and S-Class sedans, is equipped with sophisticated sensors that monitor the driver's operation of the vehicle across 70 parameters that are proven to be strong indicators of alertness.

"As the holidays approach, drivers will log significant road miles and recognizing the warning signs of drowsy driving is extremely important," said Bernie Glaser, general manager of product management for Mercedes-Benz USA. "While nothing replaces a good night's sleep, knowing and using countermeasures to remain alert behind the wheel can make all the difference in having drivers and passengers arrive safely at their destination."

As a sponsor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, Mercedes-Benz is posting information on www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/whatsnew about alert driving in addition to background on the ATTENTION ASSIST technology that is standard on the new 2010 E350 and E550 coupe and sedan. The E350 and E550 sedan is available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in time for the winter driving season.

About the National Sleep Foundation
The National Sleep Foundation is dedicated to improving sleep health and safety through education, public awareness, and advocacy. It is well-known for its annual Sleep in America poll. The Foundation is a charitable, educational and scientific not-for-profit organization located in Washington, DC. Its membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep medicine, professionals in the health, medical and science fields, individuals, patients, people affected by drowsy driving and more than 900 healthcare facilities throughout North America. For more information about the National Sleep Foundation and a directory of its sleep center members, please visit their website.