Driving under the influence of alcohol, otherwise known as drunk driving, is one of the leading causes of road accidents in the U.S., even though it’s illegal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 28 people die every day due to an alcohol impaired driver, adding up to 10,265 fatalities in 2015, almost one-third of road accident related deaths in the US. However, there are numerous ways to prevent these fatalities, including, but not limited to: sobriety checkpoints and high-visibility law enforcement, and advanced vehicle technology, including alcohol ignition interlocks, and ensuring that yourself and others stay safe..
The first step we can take to lower the number of DUI (driving under influence) related incidents is supporting …show more content…
Currently, many states have laws that require repeat DUI offenders to use an alcohol ignition interlock. This device obligates drivers to provide a sober breath sample in order to start their car. Given that the driver is intoxicated, the car will not start, and the driver must wait a few minutes before trying again, and if drivers fail multiple tests, the wait time increases. Today, ignition interlocks are typically only given to those with a history of driving while intoxicated, but this is subject to change in the future. Multiple companies, organizations, and researchers are developing new vehicle technology that can detect if people are drunk through breathing and touch. Much like the alcohol ignition interlock, the new breathing technology would detect blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels in a sample of breath, but the device used would be very discrete. Drivers wouldn’t even have to know they were being monitored. The other approach, touch, would use a touchpad and an infrared light scanner to detect intoxication levels beneath the surface of the …show more content…
First, donating to organizations dedicated to eliminating drunk driving, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is a great way to start. These donations help fund new technology, raise awareness, etc. MADD also accepts volunteers as well. However, one of the greatest impacts you can make is ensuring that yourself and others stay safe. Never ride with intoxicated drivers. If you plan to go to a party with alcohol, have a plan to get home safely. Lastly, the best defense against intoxicated drivers is as simple as a seat belt. Doing some or all of these ideas will reduce the risk of drunk driving related accidents or
The first step we can take to lower the number of DUI (driving under influence) related incidents is supporting …show more content…
Currently, many states have laws that require repeat DUI offenders to use an alcohol ignition interlock. This device obligates drivers to provide a sober breath sample in order to start their car. Given that the driver is intoxicated, the car will not start, and the driver must wait a few minutes before trying again, and if drivers fail multiple tests, the wait time increases. Today, ignition interlocks are typically only given to those with a history of driving while intoxicated, but this is subject to change in the future. Multiple companies, organizations, and researchers are developing new vehicle technology that can detect if people are drunk through breathing and touch. Much like the alcohol ignition interlock, the new breathing technology would detect blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels in a sample of breath, but the device used would be very discrete. Drivers wouldn’t even have to know they were being monitored. The other approach, touch, would use a touchpad and an infrared light scanner to detect intoxication levels beneath the surface of the …show more content…
First, donating to organizations dedicated to eliminating drunk driving, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is a great way to start. These donations help fund new technology, raise awareness, etc. MADD also accepts volunteers as well. However, one of the greatest impacts you can make is ensuring that yourself and others stay safe. Never ride with intoxicated drivers. If you plan to go to a party with alcohol, have a plan to get home safely. Lastly, the best defense against intoxicated drivers is as simple as a seat belt. Doing some or all of these ideas will reduce the risk of drunk driving related accidents or