Drunk driving is a big problem in our country and one that affects millions of people each year. For decades, organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving have been educating car owners about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol, but it has still remained a heavy issue in the U.S. The Department of Transportation hopes to change this through the use of new in-car technology that will prevent drivers from operating their vehicles while intoxicated, potentially reducing drunk driving-related accidents.
The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety is a research program underneath the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that has been testing out the new drunk driving prevention technology. Utilizing touchpads located on the car's steering wheel or push-to-start button, the advanced system works by shining an infrared light on the driver's skin and collecting chemical properties, such as blood alcohol concentration. If the driver's BAC is 0.08 or higher, the system will immobilize the vehicle, preventing drunk driving. In addition to this method, DADSS is also trying out a breathalyzer system that will be able to easily identify a driver’s BAC. Either one of these systems could be available on cars by 2020 and will essentially be an add-on option.
To gain a better understanding of how each system works, watch the short animated video below.
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