What's this box sitting on top of the steering column? What info does it display?

 

That is the driver alert monitoring system, available since 2008 on the LS - most commonly on the 600hL and on fully loaded 460L units.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver_Monitoring_System

 

yes,, it's a driver attention monitor that monitors your eyes to make sure your eyes are on the road. if you fall asleep or turn your head for a certain period ,,, it will let you know by a series of beeps. i have it in my GS F-Sport,,, and it does work.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

Horrible system that doesnt allow you to swerve in and out of traffic. There should be a button to turn it off and on. 90% of the time it throws me off. It can be helpful however.

 

you lost me. how does the driver attention monitor keep you from swerving in/out of traffic.

 

I don't like this nanny approach. Where did the fun of driving go?

 

a lot of single car fatalities are from drivers falling asleep

 

When I am in a rush I often get really close to the car in front to switch lanes and since I am looking over my shoulder to make sure no one is merging into me the monitor realizes my eyes aren't in front of me and brakes as I approach the vehicle thus throwing off my timing and possibly could lead the car behind me to rear end me.

 

You appear to be the kind of driver I try to stay away from. Nothing good can come from that practice.

 

Can this system (Driver Attention Monitor) be disabled temporarily? One member mentioned that it can not. I'd like to get a confirmation. Thanks.