As vehicle sensing, computational, and assistance systems advance, supporting driver attention in real-time across a range of operating contexts is crucial. Traditional distraction mitigation approaches and design guidelines have not evolved with vehicle technology and the growing research on driver attention management. The AHEAD consortium, an academic-industry partnership led by MIT, is pioneering the development of a scalable framework for assessing and enhancing driver attention. This framework leverages existing vehicle sensors and a growing range of driver sensing systems to inform adaptive systems and countermeasures. This presentation will introduce AHEAD’s motivation, approach, and operational considerations that are being leveraged by industrial partners. In this session, you will learn more about:

• An updated approach to driver attention support that builds on the safe-systems approach
• The role of vehicle sensing, adaptive interfaces, and countermeasures in holistically supporting attention
• How AHEAD’s framework adapts to situational demands for safer interactions