Camera watching you drive? Monitoring tech grows as regulators battle distracted driving

It will be important for carmakers and regulators to ensure the camera systems are used only for real-time monitoring, not recording. But Abuelsamid said there’s just no other way to cut down on distracted driving, including drivers using their phones. — Unsplash

New cars are packed with sensors and cameras these days, and among the newest locations for one is inside the rearview mirror, pointed backward towards the driver and passengers.

Magna International, the Canada-based auto supplier with its US headquarters in Troy, took several years to develop a driver and passenger-monitoring infrared camera and electronics system that’s hidden inside the mirror.