New Device Forces Drivers to Watch the Road

TOKYO (AP) _ Japanese automaker Toyota has developed a safety technology that it says will keep the driver's eyes on the road.

An image-processing computer system developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and a Toyota affiliate uses a camera near the steering wheel to detect when the driver stops looking straight ahead.

The system flashes a light on the dashboard display and emits a beeping noise when the eyes start to wander. If the driver still doesn't respond, brakes kick in, Toyota said Tuesday.

The feature will be offered in Lexus luxury models set to be sold in Japan in spring next year. Toyota won't comment on whether it will be offered in models sold abroad, company spokeswoman Keiko Nakajima said.

Research shows that most accidents happen because the driver isn't paying attention, according to Toyota.