A vehicle operator condition monitoring system is provided. In one
embodiment, the vehicle condition monitoring system includes a physical
condition monitoring unit such as a camera, a data processing system, a
navigation system, and a communication system. The physical condition
monitoring unit is mounted in a vehicle to monitor at least one physical
trait of a vehicle operator. The data processing system is coupled to the
physical condition monitoring unit to compare data acquired by the
physical condition monitoring unit with rules indicating types of action
to be taken. The navigation system is functionally coupled to the data
processing system allowing the data processing system to determine the
location of the vehicle and the communications system is functionally
coupled to the data processing system to allow the data processing system
to contact an appropriate entity should the physical condition of the
vehicle operator warrant such contact.