System and Method for Assessing Driver Alertness Based on a Braking Request and Forward Vehicle Distance Information

Driver fatigue can increase a driver's reaction time and result in a collision. A system and method are provided for assessing driver alertness based on a braking request and forward vehicle distance information. Based on the assessed driver alertness, a warning can be issued to the driver to take a break from driving. In one embodiment, the system predicts a time when the driver should take a break based on a curve representing the driver's circadian rhythm.