Research has demonstrated that ignition interlock devices, which require drivers to undergo a breath test before starting their vehicle, significantly lower repeat DUI offenses. Unfortunately, however, these systems do not offer an all-encompassing solution.
New technology is providing our cars with enhanced safety features such as blind spot monitors and adaptive cruise control that may prevent drivers from veering off-road and into oncoming traffic. These technologies may even prevent an individual from driving recklessly and off the road into oncoming traffic.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are perhaps the best-known technological solution used to prevent repeat DUI offenses. Drivers must blow into a mouthpiece prior to starting their vehicles and it will quickly analyze their breath sample to ascertain their blood alcohol content (BAC), with any reading exceeding preset limits preventing startup of vehicle. Some IIDs will even require rolling retests during driving which requires them to provide breath samples at random intervals as they drive.
After being found guilty of DUI, courts in many US states may order offenders to install an IID in all vehicles they own and operate for an agreed upon period. Some jurisdictions permit family members or certified mechanics to temporarily disable IIDs; other places prohibit or penalize such acts. IIDs have proven highly effective tools in reducing accidents caused by drunk driving-related incidents.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
Some ADAS systems utilize cameras to keep a constant eye on both the vehicle and its surroundings, as well as monitor driver eye movement and head position to identify whether he or she is distracted from driving.
Fadduol Law and other organizations are working to increase public awareness about DUI prevention as well as providing post-crash support services for victims. In the meantime, these systems may need further development and research before becoming reliable enough. In the meantime, Fadduol Law and others are raising public awareness regarding drunk driving prevention measures, and provide post-crash support services as soon as a collision has taken place.
ADAS features can play an invaluable role in helping to prevent DUI-related crashes by detecting impaired drivers and alerting them. Furthermore, many ADAS features have the capability of automatically braking or steering the car when collision is detected – something fully autonomous vehicles will do in due course but for now humans will likely continue sharing driving responsibilities equally so it is crucial that we become familiar with these technologies so as to use them fully.
Electronic Communications
One way of detecting driver impairment is with ignition interlock devices that require drivers to affirmatively blow into them before starting their car; another approach uses passive systems with sensors under the skin that measure breath levels just beneath it, detecting their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) within fractions of seconds if results exceed legal limits and prohibiting ignition of their car if results exceed these levels.
Other sensor systems monitor a driver’s brain activity by measuring eye movements, head/neck movement and body posture – these systems can even detect signs of fatigue, distraction and sudden illness in real time.
MADD is advocating for these technologies to become standard features of all new vehicles and is exploring funding mechanisms to make this happen. According to research conducted by MADD, public opinion favors these efforts when they can be installed at no extra cost to consumers; but until such technology becomes widely available, education and legal advocacy remain the most effective tools for combatting DUIs.
Privacy Concerns
Many of these systems are intended to help drivers avoid distractions and collisions, for instance by alerting you if another vehicle enters your blind spot or keeping your distance from cars in front of you. Other features can help stop drifting into other lanes or warn when it is time to switch lanes.
Unfortunately, drivers often find these features confusing. Manufacturers use various names for similar technologies systems – Toyota has its Pre-Collision System while Chevrolet uses Forward Collision Alert and Full-Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – further complicating matters.
These systems may send data to companies that monitor your driving, potentially impacting the price of auto insurance premiums. Drivers concerned by this could choose to disable certain features; others could seek professional help to address underlying issues that contribute to DUI offenses.
