Re-focussing attention: stakeholder perspectives on the adoption and application of Driver Monitoring Systems in UK vehicles

Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) are becoming increasingly integrated within modern vehicles, driven by advances in sensing technologies, artificial intelligence and evolving regulatory requirements. While previous research has largely focused on drivers’ perceptions and system performance, comparatively little attention has been given to the perspectives of the stakeholders who design, develop, regulate and implement these technologies. This study explored expert stakeholder views on the current role, challenges and future direction of DMS in the UK automotive sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven stakeholders representing vehicle manufacturers, applied research institutions, safety and regulatory experts, technology developers and testing organisations, and user experience (UX) design experts. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: (1) DMS as a compliance-driven system; (2) misalignment with drivers’ mental models; (3) lack of personalisation; (4) intrusiveness and annoyance; (5) trust and acceptance; and (6) DMS as part of a broader socio-technical system. Stakeholders consistently viewed current DMS implementations as being driven primarily by regulatory compliance rather than user needs, with concerns that rigid thresholds, poorly calibrated alerts and limited transparency undermine driver trust and encourage system disengagement or misuse. Participants emphasised the importance of adaptive, context-aware and human-centred approaches to design that better accommodate individual differences while balancing privacy, usability and regulatory requirements. The findings demonstrate that the effectiveness of DMS depends not only on sensing performance but also on how systems interact with drivers within a wider socio-technical context. The study provides an expert stakeholder perspective that complements existing driver-focused research and identifies key priorities for future human factors research, including adaptive monitoring, improved human-machine interaction, regulatory evaluation and ethical governance. These findings offer practical insights for researchers, manufacturers and policymakers seeking to support the safe and acceptable deployment of next-generation driver monitoring technologies.