Abstract: Real-time vehicle driver performance monitoring uses a plurality of sensors operated in a vehicle, each generating a real-time data stream comprising data corresponding to operation of the vehicle by the vehicle's driver. A computing device (such as an in-vehicle computer) processes the generated data stream from each of the plurality of sensors to determine whether the operation of the vehicle triggers any of a plurality of predetermined operational alert triggers. The predetermined operational alert triggers may correspond to detecting characteristics of an improper magnitude and/or an improper linearity of a delta in data detected by one of the sensors. When an alert is triggered, a corresponding alert message is generated and sent to at least one recipient (e.g., to the vehicle's driver, to nearby driver(s), to authorities, etc.). Examples of monitored characteristics include speed, steering, braking, use of turn indicators by the driver, and mobile phone usage.

Abstract: A system for detecting a condition of a driver is provided, wherein the system includes a first electrical device, a second electrical device, a regulation unit and an alert unit. The first electrical device detects an initial vehicle angle of a vehicle, the second electrical device detects an initial head angle of the driver and the regulation unit calculates a regulation angle based on the initial head angle and the initial vehicle angle. Additionally, the first electrical device detects a current vehicle angle of the vehicle, the second electrical device detects a current head angle of the driver and the regulation unit calculates a regulated head angle based on the current head angle and the regulation angle. Furthermore, the alert unit calculates a difference value between the regulated head angle and the current vehicle angle and generates a warning message if the difference value is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems and methods for thwarting attempts to circumvent breath alcohol level testing and monitoring programs. In-home monitoring systems as well as ignition interlock systems are described. Accelerometers and/or compasses are used to detect movement of the device. GPS and image data are collected at the time samples are collected to verify their authenticity. A system is provided for use by a third party service provider to provide reports and notification to monitoring authorities.

Abstract: A method of detecting impairment of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes sensing, using a sensor, a position of the driver's head at a plurality of time points; determining, using a microprocessor, changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points; evaluating, using a microprocessor, whether the changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points exhibit at least one of a periodic and a quasi-periodic pattern; determining whether the driver is impaired based on the pattern of the changes in the position of the driver's head; and if the driver is impaired, alerting the driver using an alarm.

Abstract: An alert method and an alert system thereof. The alert method includes: detecting, by a turn detector installed on a steering wheel, a first turn and a second turn of the steering wheel in a predetermined period; generating, by a controller, a first alert signal based on the first and second turns; and when receiving the first alert signal, generating, by an alert device, a first alert message.

Abstract: A vehicle controlling method which includes detecting an engagement of a vehicle tire with a rumble strip of a road, and performing first and second vehicle controls. The first vehicle control includes operating a controller to control movement of the vehicle after the vehicle tire has disengaged from the rumble strip to bring the vehicle tire back into engagement with the rumble strip. The second vehicle control includes operating the controller to continue to control movement of the vehicle to maintain the vehicle tire in engagement with the rumble strip after the vehicle tire has been brought back into engagement with the rumble strip.

Abstract: An automated system which uses visual tracking technology to monitor the visual direction of a driver's sight, functions to keep the driver's eyes on the road to reduce the danger of potential distractions. When the driver is not looking at the road for a predetermined period, an audio queue, such as a beeping or alarm, will be utilized to bring the driver's attention back to the road. In addition, the system can limit the use of cell phones in the vehicle by disabling cell phones when the driver looks away from the road for greater than a preselected predetermined period. The period can be adjusted to allow for the answering of a hands free phone call, but preventing dialing and texts. The apparatus for alerting the driver includes an optical tracker, a receiver, a processor, and an audible alert device.

Abstract: A method for avoiding reducing scoring of the brake disc or the brake drum of a vehicle driven under rainy conditions calculates a product of three parameters, and activates an automatic braking operation for the vehicle, regularly, whenever the product exceeds the pre-determined threshold level. The first parameter is a rain intensity based parameter, a measure of the current raining intensity. The second parameter is a brake-activation-free driving time parameter, representing the time elapsed since the braking system of the vehicle was activated last. The third parameter is a speed parameter, which represents a current speed of the vehicle. As the automatic braking operation is carried out, the particles of dust, water, snow and de-icing substances, adhered to the brake disc of the vehicle, and causing scoring of the brake disc, are quickly removed, thus, reducing disc scoring.

Abstract: A self-policing system for preventing oneself from drunk driving features a key for inserting into an ignition switch of an automobile and a base. A base anterior end features a keyhole for receiving the key. A barbed first key camp is operatively connected to a first solenoid located in a base anterior cavity and is biased via a first spring. A barbed second key clamp is operatively connected to a second solenoid boated in the base anterior cavity and is biased via a second spring. A base posterior end features a breathing aperture located on a tip. A base posterior cavity features an alcohol sensor and a power supply each operatively connected to a microprocessor.

Abstract: An environment associated with at least one crew member is identified, and a line-of-sight associated with the at least one crew member is determined. An alarm is generated when the line-of-sight remains within a predetermined area for an elapsed time that exceeds a first predetermined temporal threshold associated with the identified environment.

Abstract: Providing an ID-verified blood test, in one aspect, may include enabling a user to press a finger against a fingerprint-reading panel and reading a fingerprint of the user. A blood sampling device coupled to the fingerprint-reading panel may be activated while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel to sample blood from the finger. Blood may be sampled from the user via the blood sampling device while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel. A test may be performed on the sampled blood to determine a level of specified chemical in the blood. User identification may be determined based on the fingerprint. The determined user identification and the level of the specified chemical may be returned.

Abstract: A device that causes a driver not to feel passive task-related fatigue by performing interaction with the driver at a time when the driver feeling passive task-related fatigue, thereby promoting safe driving. In particular, phrase “the interaction with the driver” refers to a series of operations viewing quiz data or beat sequence data to the driver, receiving a response, and visually, acoustically, and tactilely informing a result according to the response, and a control of each component for the operation.

Abstract: A method for reporting vehicle operator impairment criteria is provided. The method determines, using a substance detection device installed inside a vehicle, a level of a substance or combination of substances associated with vehicle operator impairment; obtains vehicle status data from a plurality of sensors onboard the vehicle; determines a level of risk associated with vehicle operator behavior, using the obtained vehicle status data; and generates a report, comprising the determined level of the substance or the combination of substances and the determined level of risk.

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a user's intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.

Abstract: A driver monitoring apparatus includes a detection section, a warning section and a changing operation section. The detection section detects at least one of a face direction and an eye direction of the driver, and generates a detection information regarding the at least one of the face direction and the eye direction detected. The warning section determines whether the driver has an inattentive drive by comparing the detection information to a reference information, and generates a warning when it is determined that the driver has the inattentive drive. The changing operation section receives an operation for changing the reference information, and changes a current reference information set before receiving the operation to a new reference information according to the operation received.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided for automatically detecting unsafe driving practices and providing real time driver feedback upon execution by either of a local device which may be embodied in for example a cigarette lighter adapter, or a mobile cellular device such as for example an iPhone. The device upon which the program is embodied is thus configured to receive and store program parameters including predetermined speed limit settings, receive sensor output signals representative of vehicle position and vehicle movement, determine a location of the vehicle based on the position sensor output signals, and determine a safe- or unsafe-driving condition based on the movement sensor output signals and at least a predetermined speed limit setting associated with the vehicle location. A driver alert signal is further generated in response to determining an unsafe driving condition, and notification of unsafe driving conditions may be accordingly transmitted to third parties.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing operation of a portable electronic device. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. Device information, about a portable electronic device configured to perform an operation, is received. An operator of the automotive vehicle is detected to be a user of the portable electronic device, based on the vehicle information and the device information. Operation information is sent, in response to detecting the operator is the user, to prevent the portable electronic device from performing the operation.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring and/or predicting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle or a machinery operator are provided. A set of infrared, IR, or near infrared, NIR, light sources, is arranged such that an amount of the light emitted from the light source incidents on an eye of the driver or operator. The light that impinges on the eye of the driver or operator forms a virtual image of the signal sources on the eye including the sclera and/or cornea. An image sensor obtains consecutive images capturing the reflected light, wherein each image will contain glints from at least a subset or all of the light sources. A drowsiness index can be determined based on the extracted information of the glints of the sequence of images, wherein the drowsiness index indicates a degree of drowsiness of the driver or operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an inattentive state of an operator of a vehicle and for providing information to the operator of the vehicle by obtaining face images of the operator of the vehicle, obtaining images of an environment of the vehicle, determining one or more areas of interest in the environment of the vehicle based on the images of the environment, obtaining, from a relevance and priority database, relevance and priority values corresponding to the one or more areas of interest, determining a probability of attention of the operator of the vehicle to the one or more areas of interest based on the images of the environment and the relevance and priority values, determining an attention deficiency based on the determined probability of attention and the face images, and providing the information to the operator of the vehicle based on the determined attention deficiency.

Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.

Abstract: A method and system for risk prediction for a support actuation system. The system includes a support actuation system for an automobile having a support actuation module and/or a risk prediction system. The risk prediction system includes a sensor, a processor, and/or a memory. The sensor detects images corresponding to identity data, environment data, event data, and/or behavior data, which are stored in the memory. The memory also stores a database including identities of users, environment risk values, event risk values, and/or behavior risk values. Using the identity data, the environment data, the event data, and/or the behavior data, the processor determines the environment risk value, the event risk value, the behavior risk value, and/or the total risk value for a user. When the total risk value is above a predetermined risk threshold, the support actuation module performs support actuation.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle with an autonomous driving control has a set-up mode, an active drive mode, a safe shutdown mode, and an emergency response mode. The active drive mode autonomously navigates along a driving route specified in the set-up mode. A driver sensing system senses a driver presence in the driver seat and a driver's physiological state. Active drive mode is not entered from set-up mode unless the driver is present in the driver seat and the physiological state matches a normal condition. While in active driving mode, an elapsed time period is measured whenever the driver presence is not detected. If the time period increases above a first threshold then a notice is given to the driver that the active drive mode may be interrupted. If the time period increases above a second threshold then the active drive mode is terminated and the safe shutdown mode is initiated.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for monitoring a status of a driver when driving a vehicle. A system including a set of sensors configured to be disposed in the vehicle to collect driver status data. The system processing the driver status data to determine whether the driver is experiencing a health condition or crisis, and whether the driver's body position is ergonomic. In response to a health condition, generating a health alert indicative of the health condition. In response to the driver a health crisis generating a health alert indicative of the health crisis and inhibiting operation of the vehicle. In response to the driver's body position not being ergonomic, identifying and providing adjustments in the body position of the driver that need to be made for the driver to be positioned in a an ergonomically acceptable body position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alert interactive system designed to serve as an alertness tool to ensure that a person, such as an aircraft pilot, a car or truck driver, a soldier or sailor on watch, or a security professional, remains alert. The alert interactive system provides instructions and time for the person to enter a code, and provides an alert to that person and others when the code is not entered timely and correctly. The present invention indicates when the person is not alert, and may be taking a nap, may be fully asleep, or unconsciousness.

Abstract: A method and control system for maintaining attentiveness of a driver of a vehicle during an autonomous control mode. A series of cognitively demanding tasks is presented to the driver via a man-machine interface during the autonomous control mode. Driver responses to the tasks are monitored, and an audible alert is provided to the driver if the response of the driver and/or a reaction time of the driver in making the response indicate an insufficient level of driver attentiveness.

Abstract: An awareness level improvement device has an input portion, a determination portion, and a controller. Data related to the awareness level of the driver is input into the input portion. The determination portion determines whether the driver is in a absentminded state based on the data input into the input portion. The controller controls an execution portion to execute an application improving the awareness level of the driver when the determination portion determines that the driver is driving in the absentminded state. The application includes a body motion application that prompts the driver to perform a body motion.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for performing an alcohol monitor in a vehicle based on a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The apparatus comprises an electronic device that is positioned within the vehicle. The electronic device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicating that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to receive an alcohol content measurement from an alcohol monitoring device (AMD) indicative of blood alcohol content for the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to compare the alcohol content measurement to a predetermined alcohol content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an inattentive state of an operator of a vehicle and for providing information to the operator of the vehicle by obtaining face images of the operator of the vehicle, obtaining images of an environment of the vehicle, determining one or more areas of interest in the environment of the vehicle based on the images of the environment, obtaining, from a relevance and priority database, relevance and priority values corresponding to the one or more areas of interest, determining a probability of attention of the operator of the vehicle to the one or more areas of interest based on the images of the environment and the relevance and priority values, determining an attention deficiency based on the determined probability of attention and the face images, and providing the information to the operator of the vehicle based on the determined attention deficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a vehicle having a vehicle cabin; a reminder placard mounted to the vehicle; an air sensor mounted to the vehicle, an alcohol indicator light activated by the air sensor when alcohol is detected in the cabin; a forwardly extending telescopic mirror mounted on an extension arm used for allowing a driver to see around a blind turn at an intersection; and a convex mirror mounted to an exterior portion of the vehicle to allow a user to see downward for ease of parking. The air sensor senses the presence of alcohol in the cabin. The vehicle safety system optionally includes an extension arm formed as a flexible leafspring arm connecting the telescopic mirror to the vehicle.

Abstract: A health monitoring and warning system includes a cloud computing unit, a vehicle scheduling unit and a vehicle with a warning unit. An operator of the vehicle wears a healthcare monitoring device for measuring the physical condition thereof. The cloud computing unit monitors the physical condition of the operator and judges the physical condition is normal or not based on the data measured by the health monitoring chip. When the cloud computing unit judges the physical condition is abnormal, it transmits a warning signal to the vehicle scheduling unit and transmits a start signal to activate the warning unit, thereby warning the operator, passengers and people adjacent to the vehicle.

Abstract: A wakefulness level estimation apparatus includes: an estimation portion that estimates a level of wakefulness of a subject person based on one of a wakefulness level estimation function, of which a variable is a wakefulness level correlation value of the subject person, and a difference between the wakefulness level correlation value of the subject person and a reference value of the wakefulness level correlation value; a stimulation detection portion that detects whether an awakening stimulation is externally applied to the subject person; and a correction portion that, when the stimulation detection portion detects that the awakening stimulation is applied to the subject person, performs a correction of one of the reference value of the wakefulness level correlation value and the wakefulness level estimation function, which is used for estimating the level of wakefulness of the subject person.

Abstract: A method for automatically monitoring consciousness of a person and triggering an alarm if the monitored person is not in a state of full consciousness is provided. The method comprises the steps: monitoring at least one aspect of the behavior of the person (S1); analyzing whether the monitored behavior of the person corresponds to an expected behavior for a state of full consciousness or not (S2, S2?); triggering an alarm if the analysis results in that the detected behavior does not correspond to the expected behavior (S3).

Abstract: A method and system for driver attention management system may include means for closed-loop diagnostics. A convenience message may alert a driver of an item of interest to the driver. A sensor may detect the driver's response to the convenience message. Based on the response to the convenience message, the characteristics of an attentive response from the driver may be determined. The determined attentive response may be used by a driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may be able to diagnose errors in the sensors that are used in the driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may also be able to determine whether a driver is exercising sufficient supervisory control of a vehicle by determining whether the driver is attentively responding to prompts provided by the driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may be used in an autonomous or semi-autonomous driving system.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining one or more behavioral states of a vehicle operator and causing one or more alerts and/or one or more management options based on the determined one or more behavioral states. The approach involves causing physiological information associated with a vehicle operator to be collected by one or more sensors. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, the physiological information to be communicated to a device that comprises at least one of the one or more sensors or is remote from at least one of the one or more sensors. The approach further involves processing the physiological information to determine a behavioral state associated with the vehicle operator. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, one or more alerts to be communicated to a device associated with the vehicle operator based, at least in part, on the determined behavioral state.

Abstract: A safe operation apparatus for a moving object includes: a distraction detection unit for detecting distraction information of a user operating a moving object; a controller for collecting the distraction information from the distraction detection unit, calculating a user's distraction state value, and controlling the moving object to be automatically operated or warning of the distraction state based on the distraction state value; and an automatic operation unit for automatically operating the moving object under the control of the controller. The apparatus further includes a communication unit for transmitting the user's distraction state to a remote control center or an adjacent different moving object under the control of the controller.

Abstract: An arrangement to awaken a sleeping driver or operator of a vehicle, a vessel, an aeroplane or any other system that is controlled by a person, includes a detection part that is arranged to measure movements of a control element that belongs to the vehicle with which control element the driver has hand contact, a calculation circuit arranged to compare movements of the control element over time, and an alarm part arranged to produce vibrations in the control element. The calculation circuit is arranged to activate the alarm part when no movement of the control element has occurred during a pre-determined period, which pre-determined period indicates that the driver has fallen asleep, and in that all the parts are mounted on or are integrated with the control element.

Abstract: A mobile device is described herein that provides a user interface experience to a user who is operating the mobile device within a vehicle. The mobile device provides the user interface experience using mode functionality. The mode functionality operates by receiving inference-input information from one or more input sources. At least one input source corresponds to at least one movement-sensing device, provided by the mobile device, that determines movement of the mobile device. The mode functionality then infers a state of the vehicle based on the inference-input information and presents a user interface experience that is appropriate for the vehicle state. In one scenario, the mode functionality can also infer that the vehicle is in a distress condition. In response, the mode functionality can solicit assistance for the user.

Abstract: A system and method is described in which vehicles are configured to collect driver and vehicle event data, selectively compress and encode the collected driver and vehicle event data, and communicate the compressed and encoded data wirelessly to one or more telematics service providers. Servers poll this driver event data periodically, process it, and present multiple methods to end users by which they are able to view and analyze it. The present system permits fleet managers to use this driver event data, received through a report or notification, or pulled directly from a web-based portal, to monitor, correct or reward driver behavior, and to implement driver education and training programs.

Abstract: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention provide an alerting alarm system designed to keep drowsy or otherwise inattentive drivers safe while driving. The system comprises an electronic device which comprises an ON/OFF switch, a reset button, a power source; for example a battery housing; a cover, a sound producing member, and a speaker. In some implementations, the device may be permanently affixed within the passenger compartment of a car. In other implementations, the device may be detachably affixed within the passenger compartment of a car. In still further implementations, the device may be free standing, and placed wherever the user desires without being affixed to anything.

Abstract: A system for identifying non-events comprising an event capture device and one or more processors in communication with the event capture device. The event capture device is associated with a vehicle that captures driving event data. The one or more processors is configured to receive the captured driving event data; classify the captured driving event data as a non-event or driving event by comparing the captured driving event data to a non-event profile; in the event that the captured driving event data is classified as a non-event, store an abbreviated record of the captured driving event data.

Abstract: A driver-assistance system for a motor vehicle includes a recording device for recording an environment of the motor vehicle including a rear environment of the motor vehicle, a warning device for generating a warning signal, and an evaluation device. The evaluation device is configured to analyze a current driving behavior of the driver on the basis of the recorded environment of the motor vehicle, and to induce the warning device to generate a warning signal if the evaluation device detects a deviation of the driving behavior from a predetermined setpoint behavior.

Abstract: A device and a process are provided for recognizing a correct use of an alcohol measuring device by a test subject. At least one alcohol measuring device is provided with a signal transmitter, an analysis and control unit and a camera unit. An image field of the camera unit is divided into an inner image field area and an outer image field area. The inner image field area detects at least the face area of the test subject. The camera unit records changes at a boundary between the inner image field area and the outer image field area. A signal sent by the signal transmitter in the inner image field area can be detected by the camera unit.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a user's intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.

Abstract: Providing an ID-verified blood test, in one aspect, may include enabling a user to press a finger against a fingerprint-reading panel and reading a fingerprint of the user. A blood sampling device coupled to the fingerprint-reading panel may be activated while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel to sample blood from the finger. Blood may be sampled from the user via the blood sampling device while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel. A test may be performed on the sampled blood to determine a level of specified chemical in the blood. User identification may be determined based on the fingerprint. The determined user identification and the level of the specified chemical may be returned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a state detecting device that detects characteristic quantities regarding the driver that are represented by biological information such as the eyelid opening degree and frequency of heartbeat of the driver, identifies the group to which the state of the driver belongs between a Group 1 and a Group 2 into which multiple classes defined using the activity level of the driver as an indicator are sorted based on the detected characteristic quantities, outputs information including the identification results as output values, and detects the class to which the current state of the driver belongs based on loss values calculated from the output values. From the detected class, to what degree the activity level of the driver is impaired can be detected along with the level.

Abstract: A method is provided for combining sensor data collected by at least two sensors coupled to at least one application, wherein at least one of the sensors provides driver-related sensor data of a driver-related behavior and at least one external sensor provides sensor date not related to driver-related behavior. The sensor data of the at least two sensors are combined as the respective measurement errors of the data are uncorrelated in time with respect to the at least one application.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing operation of an automotive vehicle. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. The automotive vehicle has a current operational configuration for constraining an operation of the automotive vehicle. Device information, about a portable electronic device, is received. A detection is made, based on the vehicle information and the device information, that an operator of the automotive vehicle is a device user of the portable electronic device. In response to the detection, change information is sent to change the current operational configuration to alter a constraint on the operation of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety control system for a vehicle with controls located on the vehicle steering wheel. The controls may be arranged in a cluster on one or both sides of the upper half of the steering wheel or on a special flange mounted to the steering wheel. The contours are easily recognizable and accessible while driving without any distraction to the driver. The controls can be enhanced by varied coloring, shape, size, and texture to make them easily identifiable. The controls can be used with portable telematics devices, in a multi-modal process in conjunction with thumb gesture interpretation or speech recognition. A universal portable device docking station may be used in conjunction with the control system.