Scientists are developing a new technology to increase road safety. “Too drunk? Your car won’t go along for the ride,” they say. The new technology includes either a set of passive sensors installed permanently in the vehicle, or touch-sensitive areas on a key fob or starter button. The sensors will be able to identify the level of alcohol in the driver’s bloodstream. If it is found to be too high, the car won’t start.
“Drunken driving remains the leading cause of fatalities on America’s roads, killing more than 10,000 people in 2009. The technology presents a new opportunity for us to dramatically lower drunk-driving deaths and has the potential to save literally thousands of lives every year,” explained David Strickland. Strickland is the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Administration in the US.
“We haven’t met our criteria yet,” said Susan Fergson, head of the research team, “but we feel comfortable that we will. Speed, accuracy and precision are the three key criteria.”