Potential Car Technology to Stop Drunk Drivers

Feb 25, 2022

If the stars align, automakers will be tasked with finding a solution to drunk driving in the next few years. At least, that’s one of the primary goals laid out in the country’s new infrastructure bill, which has been see-sawing on “yay” or “nay” for months.

Drunk drivers injure more than 300,000 people and kill over 10,000 people a year, the latter of which equates to nearly half of all traffic-related fatalities. Considering the data indicating that only 2% of Americans drive while intoxicated, that’s a lot of unnecessary pain and death. So, even if the “nays” end up securing a “win,” it’s important to note that mandates aren’t necessary for automakers to do the right thing and start producing cars with anti-drunk-driving technology. Heck, some would argue that it’s the smart choice given our shared proclivity to, you know, stay alive.

What exactly could vehicles to do stop drunk driving? Is there already technology out there or does it need to be invented before 2026? According to some engineers and industry experts, we’re close to figuring it all out.

The Options: MADD + DADSS

The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) is the project automakers and the NHTSA have developed. Their goal: Create new technology to passively detect intoxicated drivers before they can get on the road.

While automakers and the Transportation Department investigate possible solutions, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has identified over 240 different automotive technologies that could prevent intoxicated driving. Some of their proposed solutions are fantastical, though others are more pragmatic and utilitarian. Below are some technologies that may prove to be useful right away.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Currently, the best in-vehicle technology to save lives due to drunk drivers all fall under the “advanced driver assistance” umbrella. In particular, systems like lane-change warning, lane-change assist, attention monitoring, and emergency automatic braking all serve a purpose in this endeavor.

Lane Change Warning/Assist

This technology alerts the driver when they’ve ventured outside of their lane without using a turn signal. Some of these systems sent vibrations and audible warnings, while others actually provide corrective steering to keep the vehicle in its lane.

Nearly all automakers have lane-change alert/warning as either standard or optional equipment on their vehicles.

Attention Monitoring

Many automakers, including GM, Hyundai and Nissan, already have some form of eye-tracking technology to detect distracted drivers. These systems keep watch for any signs of inattentiveness and may even provide corrections to prevent collisions. While they’re not entirely foolproof, they may be the most practical, short-term solution to stop drunk drivers behind the wheel.

As of 2022, driver monitoring is available on most new vehicles, including those produced by GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.

Emergency Automatic Braking

If a collision is imminent, this system automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce damage. The systems may also be able to detect and brake for pedestrians.

Most new vehicles offer emergency braking, with or without pedestrian detection.

Push-Button Starter with Sensors

Wisconsin’s WISN 12 interviewed Dr. Walter Schilling, a software engineer, to discuss the potential tech that could eliminate drunk driving.

“One of the initial ideas is some sort of a sensor that would either be embedded in the start button or on the steering wheel,” Schilling said. “And what it would do is shine infrared light into your finger and basically look for the telltale signs of alcohol in the blood.”

David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, also believes in technology like this. “I actually think this particular technology could save more lives than airbags,” he said. “We’re talking about more than 10,000 people that are losing their lives annually as a result of alcohol-impaired driving in the country.”

Breath and Air Analyzers

Schilling also mentions that traditional breathalyzers could be modified to measure the alcohol content in the cabin itself, not just the person’s breath.

MADD calls this technology “passive alcohol detection,” which they claim could prevent more than 9,400 lives per year if it’s made standard on all vehicles. The following brands either have or are developing these systems: Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota.

DADSS researchers have designed special sensors, mounted on the vehicle’s dash or windshield, that only require drivers to breath in its direction to check their approximate blood alcohol content (BAC). As part of a pilot program, these sensors are actually being utilized by small freight companies to monitor drivers of large transportation trucks.

Self-Driving Vehicles

Of course, self-driving or autonomous vehicles have been “on the horizon” for several years now, yet there have been many hiccups and speedbumps to make them commonplace. For one, many people can’t afford to pay close to $100,000 for a self-driving electric car, which puts this technology out of reach for most.

There are affordable alternatives, however. The average car buyer might look at Chevrolet, which has produced a semi-autonomous driving feature, Super Cruise, in its new Chevy Bolt EUV. The new Bolt isn’t the solution to drunk driving, but it’s a step in the right direction.

How to Report a Drunk Driver

If you suspect a drunk or intoxicated driver on the road, please report it. You have an obligation to keep yourself, your family and your fellow humans safe.

For Kansas City drivers, you can report erratic behavior in several ways, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol and Missouri State Highway Patrol:

Call *47 to report an immediate problem, such as an erratic driver on a Kansas highway.
Call *KTA (*582) to report an immediate problem on the Kansas Turnpike.
Dial 1-800-525-5555 or *55 to report a traffic crash, emergencies, intoxicated or drugged drivers, reckless driving, vehicle problems, hazardous material spills, or criminal activity.
Dial 911.

Now, if only they would create technology that disables vehicles when drivers are caught texting. (Don’t text and drive!)

If you’ve been the victim of a drunk driver and require a good body shop in Kansas City, request a tow to McCarthy Collision Centers. We work with nearly all insurance companies, offer free estimates, and provide professional autobody repairs quickly. Call 1-800-NEW-AGAIN to speak with our team in Olathe, Blue Springs, Overland Park, or Lee’s Summit.

Posted in Car Tips, McCarthy Collision Center News | Comments Off on Potential Car Technology to Stop Drunk Drivers

McCarthy Collision Center