Drunk driving kills. Of that, there is no dispute.
According to the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), drunk drivers are a stubborn problem. In fact, ACTS estimates that approximately one-eighth of 1 percent of all drivers in this country produces 30 percent of the car accident deaths.
Might computer technology be a big part of the solution to getting these drivers off the road?
Interesting question…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and ACTS have actually partnered to support the commercial research and development of something called DADSS, Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety.
DADSS technology works in one of two ways. A would-be driver gets into a car and puts his finger on a sensor. Within a fraction of a second, the sensor reports the alcohol concentration in your blood through your finger.
The other sensor is breath-based, using technology that can differentiate between a driver and a passenger and identify the alcohol concentration in a driver’s breath.
The data from each sensor is collected by a computer that can use the information to disable the car’s ability to move should the driver test positive for high blood alcohol content.
Engineers in Massachusetts are working diligently to refine the system to avoid false positives that would ultimately leave sober drivers stranded.
It’s now hoped that this technology will be made both affordable and available within five years.
If you or a loved one are ever injured as pedestrians, cyclists, drivers or passengers in Connecticut, know that the Connecticut personal injury lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people like you who’ve been injured in accidents for over 60 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever injured in an accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut personal injury lawyers, please contact us.
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