Alert Driving Needs Attention Says Mercedes-Benz

1.9 million fatigue-related crashes or near misses result from sleepiness
behind the wheel

MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz and the National Sleep
Foundation want drivers to be alert behind the wheel this holiday season as
new data from the 2009 Sleep in America poll point to a significant problem
related to drowsy driving. The poll reveals that as many as 1.9 million
drivers have had a car crash or a near crash due to drowsiness in the past
year. Fifty-four percent have driven while drowsy at least once in the past
year, and 28 percent do so at least once per month. Tips, countermeasures and
warning-signs to prevent drowsy driving, developed by the National Sleep
Foundation are central to Drowsy Driving Prevention Week(®) this November 2-8,
2009 and are featured at www.sleepfoundation.org.

"Drivers think they can stay awake by sheer force of will and often
underestimate their state of tiredness," said Thomas Balkin, Ph.D., Chairman
of the National Sleep Foundation. "The process of falling asleep robs us of
self-awareness and awareness of our environment. As a result, we do not
recognize the process of actually falling asleep as it is happening and,
unfortunately, all it takes is a moment of reduced awareness to cause a car
crash."

Mercedes-Benz has conducted several years of drowsy driving research in which
company scientists observed consistent behaviors during early stages of
drowsiness behind the wheel. Tests involving 670 drivers revealed that, prior
to entering the microsleep phase, drowsy drivers have trouble steering a
precise course in their lane and make minor steering corrections both quickly
and abruptly.

Based on this research, Mercedes-Benz developed ATTENTION ASSIST(TM), a new
drowsiness-detection system that identifies these behaviors and alerts the
driver to the first signs of fatigue.

ATTENTION ASSIST, available in the 2010 E-Class and S-Class sedans, is
equipped with sophisticated sensors that monitor the driver's operation of the
vehicle across 70 parameters that are proven to be strong indicators of
alertness.

"As the holidays approach, drivers will log significant road miles and
recognizing the warning signs of drowsy driving is extremely important," said
Bernie Glaser, general manager of product management for Mercedes-Benz USA.
"While nothing replaces a good night's sleep, knowing and using
countermeasures to remain alert behind the wheel can make all the difference
in having drivers and passengers arrive safely at their destination."

As a sponsor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week(®), Mercedes-Benz is posting
information on www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/whatsnew about alert driving in
addition to background on the ATTENTION ASSIST technology that is standard on
the new 2010 E350 and E550 coupe and sedan. The E350 and E550 sedan is
available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in time for the winter driving
season.

About the National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation is dedicated to improving sleep health and
safety through education, public awareness, and advocacy. It is well-known
for its annual Sleep in America poll. The Foundation is a charitable,
educational and scientific not-for-profit organization located in Washington,
DC. Its membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep
medicine, professionals in the health, medical and science fields,
individuals, patients, people affected by drowsy driving and more than 900
healthcare facilities throughout North America. For more information about the
National Sleep Foundation and a directory of its sleep center members, please
visit www.sleepfoundation.org.

About Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for
the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in
the United States. For over forty years, MBUSA has prided itself on its
commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles
coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its
products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering
at www.media.mbusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz

Christine Chase, +1-201-573-2999, or Gregory O'Shea, +1-201-573-2238, or
Toll-Free, +888-MBNEWS-1