Impaired driving tech coming to new cars?

In a significant development toward enhancing road safety, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken the pioneering step of initiating the process to require devices in vehicles that prevent drunk or impaired driving. This move, mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, underscores a commitment to addressing a pervasive issue that has claimed countless lives and inflicted substantial economic costs on society.

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents on our roads, with nearly 13,400 lives lost in 2021 alone. The financial toll, estimated at $280 billion in medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life, emphasizes the urgency of finding effective solutions to combat this preventable tragedy.

The proposed federal safety standard, currently in the early stages of the regulatory process, aims to make advanced technology a mandatory feature in all new passenger vehicles. An advance notice of proposed rulemaking will enable the NHTSA to assess the current state of technology for detecting impaired driving, setting the stage for comprehensive standards once the technology reaches maturity.

Critics may argue that such regulations infringe upon personal freedoms, but the potential benefits far outweigh these concerns. The technology under consideration, as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board in 2022, involves alcohol monitoring systems that can automatically test a driver’s breath for alcohol without the need for a manual blow test. This not only streamlines the process but ensures a seamless integration of safety measures.

One promising avenue of research involves a collaboration between NHTSA and 16 automakers in the form of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety. This group is exploring innovative technologies that could automatically assess a driver’s alcohol levels, preventing the vehicle from moving if impairment is detected. With solutions ranging from breath analysis to finger-based blood alcohol testing using light technology, the emphasis is on creating unobtrusive, foolproof systems that prioritize safety without inconveniencing responsible drivers.

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell rightly points out that this technology is about saving lives, keeping intoxicated drivers off the road, and preventing needless tragedies. In an era of rapid technological advancements, incorporating impaired driving prevention systems into vehicles represents a logical and critical step forward.

While the regulatory process may take time, it is an investment in the future safety of our roads. The proposed standards align with broader efforts to reduce road fatalities and ensure that the latest innovations are harnessed to protect lives. As we approach the holiday season, the NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign reinforces the immediate need for action and highlights the ongoing commitment to keeping our roads safe for all.