Get In Touch! 425-422-5818

Blog

Will Future Cars Sense When a Drunk Driver is Behind the Wheel?

Posted by Mark Garka | Jul 15, 2015 | 0 Comments

Will future cars be able to detect potential drunk drivers before they even turn on the ignition? According to regulators, the technology to make that possible is already in development. Last month, the Department of Transportation announced two new, in-cabin technology systems it believes could be a featured option in all new cars by the end of the decade.

According to The New York Times, the first of these systems will incorporate sensitive, infrared touch pads that will measure alcohol content via a driver's finger or palm. Developers are still deciding whether the touch-based technology should be included on steering wheels, ignition push buttons, or even both, in the effort to prevent sober passengers or bystanders for triggering a car starter for an impaired driver.

The second system incorporates breath-detecting technology similar to breathalyzers already used by most police departments. Unlike breathalyzers, however, these breath-analyzers would not require breathing into a tube or constant calibration: they would be calibrated only once and use ventilation in the steering column to sense the driver's normal breathing. If either system detects a blood alcohol content higher than the legal limit, it will either prevent the car from starting or shut the car down, much like an ignition interlock device.

Both technologies, which are being funded by regulators and a group of auto manufacturers as part of the new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, are still being honed for consumer use. Jeff Michael, associate administrator for research and program development for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hailed the potential of the technology, but reiterated that both systems have to be “highly accurate, very fast and completely passive" before they are released to the market.

The Future of DUI Policing?

The New York Times notes that The American Beverage Institute is one of the view voices that has been outspoken against the new technology. They claim it operates on a number of assumptions about drunk driving and targets everyone rather than the "hardcore drunk drivers" who are usually involved with dangerous accidents. They also said that it could prevent casual or social drinkers from using their car.

Jeff Michael countered those arguments, claiming that the technology is being specifically developed to be faster and more accurate than anything previously seen before. According to him, drivers who enjoy a drink at dinner will be not be prevented from normally operating their car.

If you have been charged with a DUI or a DUI-related charge, then I invite you to contact my firm, the Law Office of Mark W. Garka, PLLC, today. I have dedicated my entire firm to advocating clients who are facing DUI penalties and, for more than 15 years, helped protect their rights and secure reductions and dismissals on their behalf whenever possible.

Don't hesitate to start mounting your defense. Contact my firm to speak with a proven Washington DUI attorney ready to fight for you.

About the Author

Mark Garka

Mark is a solo-practitioner who limits his practice to DUI Defense. During Law School, he worked in the Juvenile Division for the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and he also worked in the Corrections Division at the Attorney General's Office. After completing his degree, he clerked...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Contact Us Today!

Make sure your rights are protected and that you get treated fairly by hiring a qualified attorney with experience handling DUI cases in Washington State. I help DUI defendants protect their rights and ensure fair treatment. The legal system is tricky, but with my guidance, you will understand the full implications of your situation and identify the steps you will need to take next.

Contact Number

(425) 422-5818

Menu