In the United States, the grave issue of drunk driving continues to claim countless lives and shatter families. Every day about 38 people die in drunk driving crashes. As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an increased ratio of 14% is seen in 2021 compared to 2020, where approximately 13000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving. The staggering statistics paint a grim reality that despite having numerous awareness campaigns and stringent laws, this deadly habit persists in our society. However, the heart-wrenching consequences of drunk driving can be minimized with the help of Technology.
Technology is an emerging hope horizon in preventing lives and a revolutionary approach to tackle drunk driving according to a motorcycle accident lawyer with our friends at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers. This article discusses the four most innovative strategies that save lives and replace the dark clouds of drunk and driving incidents with a brighter and safer tomorrow for all Americans.
4 Technologies Used in Preventing Drunk Driving Incidents
Ignition Interlock Devices
IID has proven to be effective in reducing drunk driving incidents. According to data obtained from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Ignition Interlock Devices have stopped more than 2.3 million people from driving drunk since 2006.
In the US, it is required to install Ignition interlock devices in vehicles to pass the breathalyzer test to prove sober before starting the vehicle. If a driver is found intoxicated by the device, it will not allow the driver to start the car. One key benefit of installing IID is that it solves the potential problem before it even starts and does not require police officers to be present to prevent drunk drivers from incidents.
Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS)
DADSS is an advanced and effective technology developed for drunk driving. DADSS works similarly to IID in integrating alcohol detection directly into a vehicle’s system to prevent the vehicle from being operated by an impaired driver. It utilizes a non-invasive method, such as touch-based sensors or breath analysis, to detect alcohol.
Breath-based requires the driver to breathe into the vehicle before stating it. This system has a sensor to detect the concentration of alcohol in the driver’s breath. The second method DADSS uses to detect alcohol is a touch-based sensor. The driver places their finger on the ignition button so the sensor can scan the skin’s surface to measure the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Hence, If the device detects alcohol above a certain threshold, the vehicle ignition gets disabled, preventing the driver from starting the vehicle.
Ridesharing Apps
Popular Ridesharing platforms, including Uber, Lyft, Gett, and Bridj NSW, are pivotal in reducing drunk driving incidents. It is a convenient alternative to driving on your own that allows users to request a professional driver to pick up and drop off at the selected destination. One research has shown that ridesharing apps have reduced drunk driving deaths by over 6%.
Smartphone Apps
App manufacturers know that smartphones ruin our lives. There are many applications developed that help individuals to avoid drunk driving. These apps offer features like blood alcohol content calculators to estimate intoxication levels in the human body. Some Applications include:
- Alcohoot
- DrinkControl
- Endui
Other apps such as LifeSaver, Drive Safe.ly, and iOnRoad guide drivers to practice safe driving habits.
These four technologies widely used in the USA focus on alcohol detection in cars to help keep drivers safe. However, the ultimate responsibility lies within the drivers to make responsible choices like never drinking and driving. If you get hit by a drunk driver, contact a lawyer near you for help immediately.