There now exists the concept of a drunk-driver proof car. Have you heard of it? Many people wait eagerly in anticipation of this vehicle, but let’s make sure we have all the facts.
Drunk-Driver Proof Car
Would you buy a car that has an alcohol sensing device installed to prevent intoxicated individuals from driving? It may be coming soon to a vehicle near you.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a group of automakers and suppliers are working to create something new. They’re creating a device, they claim, is a Drunk-Driver Proof Car. This car supposedly prevents drunk drivers from even starting a car. The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), represents 17 car manufacturers and the NHTSA. These organizations want to see a specific device in all cars, an in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
The two types of potential technology to do this include chemical breath and touch sensors. Known as the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), these devices automatically shut down the car if the driver’s alcohol level exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
The breath testing system involves sensors placed in the driver’s side door or in the steering wheel. Once the driver enters the car, a beam of infrared light analyzes molecules in the driver’s breath. this analysis then determines the level of alcohol in the system. A Swedish automotive technology company initially brought the infrared light system to the market to test for terrorist bomb-making materials.
An alternative DADSS system would use a touch sensor on the ignition button or gear shift to shine a light onto the driver’s finger to analyze the driver’s alcohol level. According to car makers, these systems will be available as an optional addition to cars sometime in the next 5 to 8 years. The NHTSA says that there are currently no plans to make these systems mandatory, but they may be installed in government vehicles and fleets.
Lawmakers and Lobbyists
Some lawmakers are applauding a future without drunk drivers. Nita Lowey, a Representative from New York said the program has amazing promise, and could be the new auto safety advance, taking a permanent seat in the vehicles of the future along with seat belts and airbags.
However, the alcohol and restaurant lobbies aren’t fans of these systems which they say wouldn’t stop drunk driving. Case in point, Sarah Longwell, of the American Beverage Institute worries that these systems may stop responsible drivers who’ve only had one or two drinks. “The fact is there is a lot of discussion right now about lowering the legal limit from 0.08 to 0.05. That would put a 120 pound woman in a situation where she could get arrested for a DUI after a single glass of wine with dinner.”
The Ignition Interlock Device: Ahead of The Drunk-Driver Proof Car
An earlier version of this type of technology is already in operation. Some drivers with a DUI in California use an ignition interlock device (IID). Following a suspended or revoked license, in order to drive again, many must install an IID.
The IID is a device that requires an alcohol-free breath sample in order to start the engine. It also requires periodic samples while driving, and it records any failed breath samples. The device is currently mandatory for DUI violators in four counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare. However, some lawmakers want the program to go statewide. Although, with the adoption of an alcohol detector in all cars, the IID could become obsolete.
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