Subaru’s all-new 2019 Forester is coming very soon, and it’s bringing some pretty big changes with it. Subaru believes that the best technology updates are the ones that have to do with your safety, and they certainly did not disappoint with this one. Get ready to be blown away, because Subaru’s DriverFocus technology is pulling out all the stops to make sure you’re always on your game behind the wheel.
This cutting-edge new system addresses one of the most critical challenges when it comes to auto safety: distracted driving. That might not sound like that big of a deal, but trust us...you don’t want to learn the hard way. More than 1,000 people are injured in automobile crashes due to distracted driving every day in the United States. Not every year, or every month, or even every week — every day. That’s enough of a reason for us to want to pay attention.
Cue the 2019 Forester. The newly-updated Subie features the state-of-the-art system, which helps reduce distracted driving for drivers from all walks of life. DriverFocus works with Subaru’s existing EyeSight technology to keep you focused on the road. It’s like having a buddy in the car to keep an eye on you and give you a little nudge when you need it.
So, how does it work? We’re glad you asked, because this is the exciting part. DriverFocus uses infrared sensors and facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. That’s right! You might know a little something about facial recognition from technology like the iPhone X, and now your Subaru can have it too. This advanced technology is the first of its kind in the compact SUV segment.
If you look away from the road for three seconds, DriverFocus will alert you with a warning. If you continue to ignore the warnings, your Subaru will slow to a stop. If you are completely unresponsive, the system will even use the Starlink system to contact a live operator for help.
Oh yeah, and remember how we said the system could recognize your face? Well, that means it can tell your face apart from other faces, too. DriverFocus can identify and keep track of up to five different people. It can remember preset preferences for each driver, too! That includes seat position, climate control, outside mirrors, multifunction display and more. Your Subie will even greet you with a personalized message when you get in.
The all-new DriverFocus technology will come standard on Touring models of the 2019 Forester. We expect the tech to appear on other Forester models and additional Subaru vehicles in coming years too, so keep an eye out!
If you’re interested in learning more about DriverFocus technology, stop by to chat with one of our sales professionals or come take a 2019 Forester for a test drive after they arrive on the lot here at Adventure Subaru.
