NHTSA and the Autmotive Coalition for Traffic Safety have recently provided a grant for passive alcohol detection systems, with a goal of making in car alcohol detectors mandatory by 2018. But some people argue the system is an invasion of privacy.
The systems will likely involve alcohol "sniffers" and devices that measure alcohol in the sweat on people's hands. While the technology is amazing, the concern is that it won't work correctly. How can the sniffer determine if the driver's breath has alcohol on it? A particularly intoxicated passenger might trigger the sensor. What if you've only had one beer with dinner - will the system be able to tell the difference between one beer and one dozen?
Finally, what should these systems do when they think their driver has been drinking? A simple starter cut-off, or a "tattle" feature that contacts local police and gives them your exact location (using an on board phone and GPS system)?
While the safety benefits are obvious, is this system worth all the trouble?
Read Article