Neonode DMS for Good Ratings Under the IIHS Safeguards for Partial Automation Criteria

Safer roads require more than just smart cars; they require attentive drivers. As the IIHS pushes for higher partial automation safety standards, advanced driver monitoring is a key driver in bridging the gap between human intuition and machine precision. 

The automotive industry is facing a significant change. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have released its recommendations for partial driving automation safeguards in the USA, and the results are sobering. Majority of vehicles equipped with Level 2 automation systems received a "Poor" rating, the lowest possible grade. For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), however, this challenge presents a unique opportunity. By integrating the right technology, manufacturers can become first-movers in achieving top-tier safety ratings and establishing themselves as industry leaders.

Understanding the IIHS Rating System

The IIHS safeguards for partial automation ratings program evaluates how effectively Level 2 systems ensure drivers remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle. The goal is to keep drivers engaged, even when partial automation systems are activated, because today’s systems are not capable of handling the full driving task and human inattention is the biggest risk when using them. Studies have shown that human attention drops quickly when drivers are disengaged from the driving task, yet they are still legally and functionally responsible.

Using a demerit-based scoring system across seven categories, vehicles must accumulate no more than 9 demerits to achieve a Good overall rating by the IIHS. These categories cover everything from driver monitoring and attention reminders to automated lane changes, cooperative steering and safety interlocks.

Driver Monitoring carries the most weight in the assessment. A "Poor" rating in this category alone contributes 30 demerits, which is enough to guarantee a "Poor" rating for the entire vehicle regardless of other features. Neonode’s Driver Monitoring Software (DMS) is engineered to secure the best possible rating through a sophisticated combination of eye, head and hand tracking.

Addressing the Industry’s Current Shortfalls

The first round of IIHS testing revealed systemic problems in current automation safeguards. Weak or insufficient driver monitoring systems were found to not sufficiently track the driver’s attention (eyes/head). Some relied too much on steering wheel input only which allowed for misuse and some automation behaviors were possible without driver input, such as automatic lane changes without sufficient driver confirmation, or adaptive cruise resuming without verifying the driver's attention.

Meeting Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safeguards is important because it ensures that partial automation systems actively keep drivers engaged, reducing misuse and helping prevent crashes, especially in situations where overreliance on technology can lead to delayed reactions. At the same time, these safeguards increasingly influence consumer choice: as safety ratings become more visible and trusted, vehicles that achieve higher IIHS scores signal greater responsibility and advanced engineering, strengthening brand credibility and making them more attractive to safety-conscious buyers.

The Neonode Solution: A Single-Camera Breakthrough

Neonode offers OEMs a streamlined pathway to a "Good" IIHS rating using industry-leading, camera-based monitoring. The breakthrough lies in the software's ability to capture the three pillars of driver engagement simultaneously, including eyes, head and hands, using only a single camera.

In eye gaze tracking, Neonode detects when drivers look toward their lap or phone even if their head is facing forward. While the IIHS test allows for a 15 seconds for detection, Neonode can be configured to respond in as little as 3 seconds (sooner would negatively affect the user experience) providing a massive 11-second safety margin. Similarly, for head position monitoring, Neonode can respond within 3 seconds against a 15-second requirement.

Perhaps the biggest differentiator is visual hands-on-wheel detection. Unlike torque sensors that can be fooled by weights, Neonode’s camera visually confirms that human hands are actually gripping the steering wheel. This system also monitors for camera occlusion and ensures seatbelts are not just buckled, but worn correctly, meeting the strict interlock requirements of the IIHS.

Traditional setups often require a mix of cameras and expensive capacitive steering wheel sensors. Neonode’s single-camera approach delivers superior results while lowering hardware costs and reducing integration complexity. With a unified timing and a single calibration point, the system is highly reliable and can be integrated into various vehicle architectures, including mounting on the A-pillar or rear-view mirror.

Intelligent ACC and Safety Strategy

Neonode’s Driver Monitoring Software also enables other sophisticated safety features outlined in the safeguards that go beyond driver monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Auto-Resume that exceeds standard requirements can be achieved by verifying in real-time that the driver is looking at the forward roadway before allowing a resume from a stop, providing an intelligent, safety-first solution rather than a simple timer. The high-speed detection also provides OEMs with the necessary time buffer to implement bimodal alerts and emergency escalations, such as vehicle slowdown and system lockout, within the designated IIHS safety windows.

Global Leadership and the First-Mover Advantage

Beyond IIHS compliance in the U.S., Neonode’s DMS meets worldwide standards, including the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR) and Euro NCAP requirements. The software is developed to ISO 26262 standards, ensuring it meets the highest functional quality tiers.

With the majority of the market currently stalled at "Poor" ratings, the opportunity for brand differentiation is unprecedented. Partnering with Neonode allows OEMs to secure "Good" ratings today, building a reputation for safety innovation that builds consumer trust and prepares for an increasingly regulated global market.

To learn more, visit the IIHS Safeguards for Partial Automation site, or download our white paper to learn how Neonode’s technology can help.