Could installing devices in all new cars to keep drunk drivers from starting the engine, as car companies may do over the next 15 years, stop as many as 85% of all the car deaths caused by alcohol in the United States? Some reports say tens of thousands of lives could be saved, as well as billions of dollars lost from costs related to injuries.
Current Technology--an IID--and the Law
Many states, including Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, and Iowa mandate an interlock device for those who have been convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration above a certain level. In Minnesota, Florida, Iowa, and Michigan, it is .16%. Some other states require the device, called an IID, which is a breathalyzer which keeps someone under the influence of alcohol from driving, after a second conviction, although there are some states that have no such requirement. In all 30 states require the device after a first conviction. …show more content…
When the new devices are in are new cars, however, a driver with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit will not be able to start his or her car. A car would not move if the driver inside had a blood alcohol level of 0.08, which is the legal limit in all 50 states. As a further protection, the new devices could be set to zero for those under the legal drinking age, which would keep them from driving if they have any alcohol at all.
The new system is known as the driver alcohol detection system for safety (DADSS). A driver would not have to blow into anything to measure his blood alcohol level--the way the interlocks work. Instead, the alcohol level would be measured through the driver's fingertips or an infrared light. Both systems are more reliable. It would only take a half a second for the system to allow someone in the car to drive or stop him.
How the Plans for DADSS Came
Current Technology--an IID--and the Law
Many states, including Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, and Iowa mandate an interlock device for those who have been convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration above a certain level. In Minnesota, Florida, Iowa, and Michigan, it is .16%. Some other states require the device, called an IID, which is a breathalyzer which keeps someone under the influence of alcohol from driving, after a second conviction, although there are some states that have no such requirement. In all 30 states require the device after a first conviction. …show more content…
When the new devices are in are new cars, however, a driver with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit will not be able to start his or her car. A car would not move if the driver inside had a blood alcohol level of 0.08, which is the legal limit in all 50 states. As a further protection, the new devices could be set to zero for those under the legal drinking age, which would keep them from driving if they have any alcohol at all.
The new system is known as the driver alcohol detection system for safety (DADSS). A driver would not have to blow into anything to measure his blood alcohol level--the way the interlocks work. Instead, the alcohol level would be measured through the driver's fingertips or an infrared light. Both systems are more reliable. It would only take a half a second for the system to allow someone in the car to drive or stop him.
How the Plans for DADSS Came