New car technology that watches the driver for risky behavior is growing in acceptance and will soon be a requirement for cars to receive the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award.

The IIHS plans to add certain types of driver-monitoring technology to its list of safety requirements by 2030 or sooner. The hope is that, like the seatbelt and airbag before it, driver-monitoring technology will help lower the number of U.S. roadway deaths, which reached 41,000 in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What is driver-monitoring technology?

If you’ve recently driven a newer vehicle, chances are you’ve already encountered the type of driver-monitoring technology the IIHS is talking about. They use a combination of interior cameras, sensors, GPS vehicle tracking and artificial intelligence to detect risky driver behaviors or conditions, like drowsiness or distracted driving.

The system may sense when drivers look away from the road or close their eyes for extended periods. It might also pick up on distracting activities like mobile phone use or eating and drinking. The system may generate an alert — a sound alert or a dashboard warning, for example — to notify the driver.

What is the IIHS Top Safety Pick+?

The Top Safety Pick+ qualification is added only to the year-model vehicles that demonstrate the highest safety standards. Carmakers compete for it and might design future models with these standards in mind.

The specific criteria for the award change each year. In 2020, the IIHS added quality requirements for standard-equipped headlights, and in 2023, it added a child-sized, crash test dummy in the rear seat to select tests.

Each additional requirement immediately lowers the number of vehicles that qualify for the award. And as manufacturers adjust, the award standards can help create a safer fleet of vehicles across the nation’s roads.

Auto safety technology can lower your insurance premium

Not only can auto safety technology help protect you, your passengers and other drivers, it can also decrease the cost of your car insurance.

Telematics insurance uses technology to monitor your driving. In some cases, the devices only look at how much you drive, while in others, they also watch for risky driving behavior.

Also known as usage-based car insurance, these policies may help safe drivers save between 10% and 40%. On the downside, some insurers may raise your premium if they see risky driving, and customers might not like the intrusion into their privacy.

Alternatively, you can use the technology on your own, without involving your insurer. If it prevents an at-fault accident, that alone will save you money on your policy.