Driver Attention Alert is a new driver assistance feature that is available on the 2016 Platinum Level Maxima®. Vehicles equipped with this driving aid may help to alert a driver when he or she is driving erratically due to a lack of attention or driving fatigue.

HOW IT WORKS

Driver Attention Alert (DAA) is designed to adapt to each individual driver. The system operates by monitoring the driver’s steering input patterns using steering angle sensors during a period of driving time that establishes a baseline for the driver’s “normal behavior.” It then continuously compares subsequent driving patterns to that baseline to make a statistical analysis of steering correction errors. When the vehicle is being driven at speeds above 37 MPH (60 km/h) when the system is activated, the system detects changes from the driver’s normal pattern (driver attention is decreasing over a period of time [erratic driving behavior]); it assumes that fatigue has set in due to a drowsy driver or inattention. The DAA then signals the driver by sounding an audible warning chime and displaying a warning icon (amber coffee cup) on the vehicle information display with the message: “Take a Break?”

DAA is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It will not steer the vehicle or prevent loss of control. It is the driver’s responsibility to remain alert at all times as the DAA does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It includes built-in logic to help determine and address any false detection of supposed driver drowsiness such as road curvatures, lane changes, braking, and even poor road conditions. The system continuously monitors driver attention and can provide multiple warnings per trip. The system resets automatically and starts reassessing driving style and steering behavior when the ignition switch is cycled from ON to OFF and back ON and the vehicle is driven at speeds above 37 MPH (60 km/h).

DAA SETTINGS

When the DAA system is activated, it can also be set to display an indicator when the driver has reached the selected set time from the start of a new drive cycle. The DAA can also be enabled or disabled by the driver if desired. The customer can change the DAA system to his or her driving preference in the “Driver Assistance” menu.

To change the status, warnings or turn ON/OFF any of the systems or warnings displayed, follow this procedure:

1. With the ignition switch in the ON position press the ▲▼ buttons until “Settings” displays in the vehicle information display and press the OK button. Use the ▲▼ buttons to select “Driver Assistance” and then press the OK button.

Note: The setting will be retained even if the engine is restarted.

2. Select “Driver Attention Alert” ON/OFF and then press the OK button.

Changing the “Timer Alert” – time for a driver break:

1. Press the ▲▼ buttons until “Settings” displays in the vehicle information display and press the OK button. Use the ▲▼ buttons to select “Driver Assistance” and then press the OK button.

2. Select “Driver Attention Alert Timer Alert,” and then select the time for up to six hours and press the OK button.