Ever wondered why even the most seasoned driver is prone to making silly mistakes on the road? Well, a new system aimed at "spotting" driver mistakes will now be able to answer that question.

Called the Vigil Vanguard System, it was launched by ComfortDelGro Driving Centre Pte Ltd (CDC) today and will initially be targeted at taxi companies.

Developed by Australia's Vigil Systems and modified for use in Singapore, the system makes use of a sensor, a Global Positioning System, a data logging system, and four digital cameras to capture driving patterns in key areas like braking, acceleration and steering.

This is how it works: A driver takes the car for a spin. Cameras mounted on the bonnet and the boot show road conditions at any point in time. Another two more cameras - fitted on the dashboard and passenger seat - are aimed at the driver to capture his head and eye movements.

If say, the driver is speeding or turning a bend at a high speed, the system will capture the information. A playback at the end of the test will show the road conditions at that point in time as well as the driver's hand, head and eye movements. So, if he had not checked his blind spot, the system would have captured it.

Graphs detailing the speed at which he was travelling relative to the legal limit will also be shown as part of a detailed report which will be generated.

"This system will be used to assess driving skills and streamlines the critical processes of driver development, helping to produce better drivers more cost effectively. Just because one has a licence doesn't mean one is a good driver. " said Mr Huam Chak Khoon, Chief Executive Officer of CDC.

He added: "Humans go for regular check-ups to monitor their physical health. Drivers should do the same every year especially since their actions affect not just themselves but others on the road."

ComfortDelGro Transportation (ComfortDelGro) and CityCab, which have been trialling the system, have committed to sending their new drivers for the Driving Competency Test, which utilises the new system.

Said Mr John Lee, Chief Operating Officer of ComfortDelGro Transportation and Yellow-Top Cab: "ComfortDelGro is committed to encouraging road safety behaviour among cabbies. This pilot training programme will enable ComfortDelGro to evaluate the driving competency of our new cabbies and improve their level of competency so that they become better drivers."

Said Mr. Yang Ban Seng, Chief Executive Officer of CityCab Pte Ltd : " The Vigil System provides a much more objective method of evaluation of drivers driving habits. Drivers tend to be more receptive when told of areas in need of improvement. We have plans to identify more drivers for this training programme".

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