The problem with drunk drivers is present since there are cars, but other than appeal to drivers not to sit behind the wheel intoxicated and penalties, the law has not yet devised a real answer to this problem. But that could soon be changed by introducing the car system that detects the presence of alcohol in the body of drivers and disables the vehicle if you get behind the wheel.
One of the first countries which could start with the application of this technology is the United States. American National Agency for Traffic Safety (NHTSA) is working on the technology for the detection of inebriated drivers since 2008, and in early June issued a video in which explains the basic principles of operation of these systems. Two systems came In the focus. The first function as a kind of alcoholmeterreveals the presence of alcohol in the breath of the driver, while the second level of alcohol is measured via a finger of the person who is behind the wheel.
In the former case, the particles of alcohol that is exhaled by the driver will be detected by the infrared sensor. The second system detects the presence of alcohol in the blood based on the analysis of the spectrum of light that is reflected from the skin to the driver’s fingertips.
Both systems can be set up to measure the degree of intoxication beyond legal limits and in the case of a positive finding it is impossible to start the engine automatically.
NHTSA expects this technology to be commercialized in the future like any other security system which is present in the latest models.
NHTSA expects this technology to be commercialized in the future like any other security system which is present in the latest models.
It is estimated that such a system was ready to be installed in new cars sold in the US, but in 2018, after which it could become mandatory equipment of all new vehicles in this country, just like the case with a rear camera of 2018. Meanwhile, engineers will have to remove some practical drawbacks on these systems. First of all, engineers will have to find a way to prevent the driver of “cheating” the technology.