Drunk driving is a significant issue worldwide. Fortunately, creative innovations have come up to curb drunk driving and reduce the associated accidents. The tools are many, and you’ll need to know about them to be able to choose the right technology.
Here are the different types of technologies used to reduce drunk driving accidents.
Table of Contents
1. Driver Alcohol Detection system for safety
Driver alcohol detection system for safety is among the most crucial sensor-based tech tools to Reduce Drunk Driving accidents. The device’s primary function is to detect alcohol and automatically deactivate the ignition system.
When you power the system, it analyses and checks if you have consumed alcohol. It can check alcohol content using the following ways:
Breath
The most basic way to measure alcohol content is by using a breath sample. The system uses scanners mounted commonly in front of the driver’s seat. It can be passive monitoring where the drivers won’t know they are being monitored. If the sensor detects alcohol above the set threshold, it will stop the car from operating.
Touch
The system can sense alcohol content in a driver through their contact. It screens alcohol when you touch designated car surfaces such as the steering wheel, start button, etc. It uses an infrared light scanner to measure the levels under your skin’s surface.
2. Ignition interlocking devices
An ignition interlocking device is a small gadget wired to your car’s ignition. After installation, the device will require you to provide a breath sample before the engine can start. The vehicle will start if it registers the correct limit of breath-alcohol concentration. However, if the breath-alcohol concentration exceeds the limit, your car won’t start.
Sometimes, the device will request additional breath samples after the engine has started. That ensures someone else did not provide the initial ignition sample. With such features, ignition interlocking devices are among the top technologies for reducing drunk driving.
3. Ridesharing
Since the introduction of Uber services, the ridesharing sectors have been expanding and improving tremendously. It’s an affordable way to move around safely. Among the benefits of ridesharing is the ability to reduce drunk driving. If you’re drunk, you can request a private ride and reach your destination safely. It removes the need to drive after nights or hours of drinking.
4. Smartphone apps
The use of smartphones has gained lots of popularity. You can install smartphone apps that will help you prevent drunk driving. The apps can send warnings and notifications and increase your awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. However, the mobile app depends on the driver’s installation and use while driving. It can be less effective if the driver ignores them or doesn’t have a smartphone.
6. Self-driving cars
A self-driving car is a technology that brings orderly civilization and reduces drunk driving. The cars can communicate with others via the internet, positioning, and intelligent connectivity. Without the need to hold the steering wheel, you will solve the drunk driving problem.
Conclusion
Drinking alcohol is a leisure activity for many. Unfortunately, most decide to drive after drinking, leading to fatal drunk driving accidents. Technology has helped us leverage the situation by reducing drunk driving accidents. The above are the different technologies that can reduce drunk driving accidents.
