Time Running Out for Drunk Driving Detection Tech in Cars

Clock Is Ticking For Car Tech That Detects Drunk Drivers

Introduction

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving claims the life of one person every 39 minutes in the USA. That’s an average of 37 people per day. In an effort to combat this issue, regulators are pushing for the development of technology that would prevent intoxicated individuals from starting and driving a car. However, there are significant challenges to overcome.

NHTSA’s Deadline

The NHTSA has until November 15 of this year to issue its “final rule” on the standard that this new anti-drunk driving technology must meet. This deadline was set in 2021 through legislation that requires the NHTSA to establish these rules for automakers to follow.

Technological Challenges

Implementing this technology on a widespread scale is not an easy task. Different companies involved in its development have different approaches. One proposed method is to passively monitor a driver’s breath and then require an eye test if any irregularities are detected. The system must be passive initially, with an active test only triggered when a warning is issued.

Backup Plan

If the NHTSA fails to finalize the rules by November 15, they have a backup plan. They can explain the delay and continue working on the rules for up to ten years if necessary.

Concerns and Considerations

While the goal of preventing drunk driving is commendable, there are concerns to address. What happens if the system incorrectly identifies a driver as intoxicated? How can the driver override the system? Privacy is also a significant concern, as automakers have been known to collect and share driver data with third-party companies, including insurance providers. The impact on insurance policies if a driver is reported attempting to operate a vehicle while drunk is another important consideration.

Conclusion

The development of technology to detect and prevent drunk driving is an ongoing process. As the NHTSA works towards finalizing the rules, the industry and the public will continue to grapple with the challenges and implications of implementing this technology. Only time will tell how effective and widespread these systems will become in the fight against drunk driving.