Detecting whether a driver is drunk is relatively straightforward, police officers do it nightly, but neatly integrating a detection system into a car’s cockpit is easier said than done. The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), has developed what it describes as “a fully passive, non-invasive alcohol detection system” for commercial and fleet vehicles.
Before starting their engine, drivers must exhale in the direction of a small sensor that can be integrated into the steering column or the A pillar. It detects their breath alcohol concentration and provides a pass/fail rating, so it doesn’t make the distinction between one beer and nine.
Car manufacturers note that some of the more advanced drunk-detection systems, like driver monitoring systems, are unreliable. This technology can detect whether a driver is paying attention to the road ahead, yet it’s not accurate enough to tell if you’re drunk. Leaning towards caution could be disastrous; imagine your next car stopping itself when it inaccurately thinks you’ve had a few too many.
Read the article at Autoblog.
