Seeing Machines upbeat on opportunity from US infrastructure bill

United States President Joe Biden was expected to sign the legislation into law imminently.

The AIM-traded firm noted that the legislation included pieces of the ‘SAFE Act’, which would require driver monitoring systems (DMS) to detect distracted driving.

In addition, the legislation included the ‘RIDE Act’, which would require new cars to use ‘advanced drink-driving technology’ to stop impaired driving.

The company said the safety provisions would require the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) to research DMS and begin the rulemaking process to regulate the technology.

It said the advancements were following the lead of Europe, where DMS was required in new cars, vans, trucks and buses to detect distracted and drowsy driving from 2022.

“DMS is already on the road today in systems like General Motors' ‘Super Cruise’, and can tell whether the driver is engaged in the driving task, or is distracted,” said Seeing Machines chief executive officer Paul McGlone.

“If the driver is distracted, it has the ability to warn the driver and save lives.

“Seeing Machines welcomes this progress on automotive safety and we look forward to continuing work with the US Congress and NHTSA to ensure these technologies are available to all drivers and save the maximum number of lives.”

At 0930 GMT, shares in Seeing Machines were up 4.87% at 11.33p.