Key Takeaways
- A new technology called impaired driver detection could save over 10,000 lives a year by preventing drunk driving.
- The technology uses sensors to detect alcohol levels in a driver’s breath or skin and can prevent a car from starting if the driver is over the legal limit.
- The technology is not yet perfect and may have accuracy issues, but companies are refining it to make it more effective.
- The federal government has required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create a rule mandating impaired driver detection technology in new vehicles by 2026.
- The cost of adding this technology to new cars is estimated to be at least $200 per vehicle.
Introduction to Impaired Driver Detection Technology
The possibility of a new technology being able to save thousands of lives and put a stop to most drunk driving is an exciting and promising development. Peggy Glass, a court monitoring specialist for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Deschutes County, recently brought up the topic of impaired driver detection technology. This technology has the potential to estimate a significant reduction in the number of lives lost due to drunk driving, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimating that it could save over 10,000 lives a year if implemented in all new cars. Companies are already refining the technology, which would allow a driver to start their car, but if the car’s sensors detect alcohol levels in the driver over the legal limit, the driver would not be able to shift their car out of park.
How Impaired Driver Detection Technology Works
The technology uses sensors to detect alcohol levels in a driver’s breath or skin. One way it could work is by detecting alcohol in the driver’s breath, which would be done by having the driver breathe normally as they get into their car. A sensor would then capture a sample and run a quick test, with a camera potentially being used to ensure that it was actually the driver’s breath being tested. Another technique would be to analyze alcohol levels below a driver’s skin by shining an infrared light on various vehicle controls through their fingertips or palm. The goal is to have any test completed in a matter of seconds, no matter the technology used. The technology is designed to be non-invasive and easy to use, making it a practical solution for preventing drunk driving.
Accuracy and Limitations of Impaired Driver Detection Technology
While the technology is promising, it is not yet perfect and may have some accuracy issues. Some claims suggest that the technology has an accuracy rate of 98%, but there are things that could confound the results, such as a convertible with the top down diluting a breath sample, or ethyl alcohol in mouthwash or hand sanitizer tripping up the testing. Additionally, the technology may not be able to detect other forms of intoxication, which could be a limitation. However, some technologies are being developed to try to detect other forms of intoxication as well. Despite these limitations, the technology has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities.
Implementation and Cost of Impaired Driver Detection Technology
The federal government has required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create a rule mandating impaired driver detection technology in new vehicles by 2026. However, it is unclear whether this technology will actually be implemented, and if so, how it will be implemented. The cost of adding this technology to new cars is estimated to be at least $200 per vehicle, which could be a significant added expense for car manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and how the technology will be used, such as whether failed tests will be broadcast to insurers or law enforcement. The plan is for the systems to be self-contained in the cars and for data not to be shared, but there are still many questions about how the technology will be implemented and used.
Potential Impact and Future of Impaired Driver Detection Technology
If implemented, impaired driver detection technology has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities. However, there are still many questions about how the technology will be implemented and used, and how effective it will be in practice. For example, what will happen if a driver is falsely identified as being over the legal limit? Will they be stranded, or will there be a way for them to appeal the result? Additionally, how will the technology be used in conjunction with law enforcement, and what kind of defenses will drivers have if they are pulled over and found to be driving impaired, despite their car not detecting it? These are all important questions that will need to be answered as the technology is developed and implemented.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, impaired driver detection technology has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against drunk driving. While there are still many questions about how the technology will be implemented and used, it is an exciting and promising development that could save thousands of lives a year. As the technology continues to be developed and refined, it will be important to consider the potential impact and limitations of the technology, as well as the concerns about privacy and implementation. By working together to address these issues, we can make our roads safer and reduce the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities. If you have the opportunity to ask a candidate for Congress about their stance on implementing impaired driver tech, it could be a good issue to raise, and one that could have a significant impact on public safety.
