Driver monitoring systems aim to enhance road safety for everyone, but many drivers find them frustrating. Take Alex Dodd, for example. His TikTok post about his wife’s Subaru Outback has gained over 722,000 views. He’s particularly annoyed with the EyeSight driver assist feature, which includes a camera that monitors the driver’s face and eyes.
Alex highlights that the system is overly sensitive. If he glances away from the road—even for a moment—he gets a warning to “keep eyes on road.” Changing the music or just admiring the mountains can trigger the nagging alerts. He concludes, “This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in a car.”
So, what exactly is Subaru’s DriverFocus system? It’s designed to help reduce distractions by monitoring driver attentiveness. According to Speedway Subaru, it uses an infrared camera to detect fatigue signs or distractions, sending alerts when necessary. While it sounds helpful in theory, many drivers experience it as more of a bothersome ‘backseat driver.’
Discontent isn’t exclusive to Alex. Owners express similar frustrations in discussions on the Subaru Outback Forums. Many report the system activates even when their focus is squarely on the road. One user lamented about the camera not recognizing their spouse and added, “I want to stick an ice pick in the stupid camera!”
This issue isn’t limited to Subaru. A recent press release revealed that complaints about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are on the rise, making up 9% of problems reported by new vehicle owners—a figure that has climbed year after year. Ashley Edgar from J.D. Power says, “The alerts are annoying and bothersome.”
It’s important to note that these systems are becoming mandatory. By 2027, all new cars in the U.S. will need to have impaired driver monitoring systems, though regulators admit the technology still has a way to go before it’s foolproof.
While some tech is welcomed, much of it faces criticism. Backup cameras are popular, but elements like auto start/stop and lane assist draw ire. One comment stated, “Auto start/stop is by far [the] worst feature on cars,” and another voiced frustration about lane assist pushing against them when avoiding obstacles.
Interestingly, Subaru is listening. Spokespeople confirmed that owners can deactivate the DriverFocus system via the head unit. They also pointed out a survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showing that about 90% of drivers who have the feature use it regularly. Of those, 64% believe it enhances their safety.
As technology advances, balancing safety and ease of use remains a challenge for manufacturers and consumers alike. There’s little doubt that feedback will continue to shape future systems to better serve everyone on the road.
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