In Car Alcohol Detectors Mandatory by 2018?

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?
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NItePhire - 4/28/2008 4:48:55 PM

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You know I just cant even believe that the car companies are actually even trying to put things like these in their cars. They are asking for a class action law suit if they do. I have been reading about these things for about four years now and I believe that its them we as customers cut this off at the knees by writing our local senators and complaining that this is against our privacy. I already get x-rayed in the airports why do I have to go thought such crape with my own car.

Shredmo - 4/28/2008 5:18:35 PM

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For habitual drunk drivers who haven't yet been caught, it will allow for a better quality of life, hands down. No victims and worst case scenario, it will keep more people sober.

For the general public it is merely a nuisance, IMO.

Main question, why stop the progress of safety with alcohol detectors?

cdoke - 4/28/2008 10:59:43 PM

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Why my dear consequentialist? Because it is through laws and actions such as these, committed on the behalf of society in general and for the safety of society, that piecemeal annihilate Republics from within and relegate them to the pages of history books. Anyone who has read Montesquieu can have no doubt of that.

You ask "why stop?" I ask "where does it stop?"

tundrahq - 4/29/2008 1:05:39 AM

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cdoke - fascinating comment. It's a good point...but I think a good system, if it REALLY works, would be best for everyone. It's hard to argue that preventing people from making a bad choice while intoxicated will lead to our society crumbling.

Still, a fascinating response.

Shredmo - 4/29/2008 9:14:36 AM

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cdoke, it was a rhetorical question. I 100% agree with "where does it stop?"

Great response, I agree entirely. Just pointing out the possible silver lining.

bambirep - 12/12/2010 7:24:54 AM

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What if the detector would be able to evaluate your ability to drive ,whatever you had to drink smoke or..
Would this still be intruding your privacy ?

Carboy - 4/28/2008 6:20:49 PM

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If the driver was drunk, wouldn't the driver choke on the breathilizer?

macker83 - 4/29/2008 7:32:39 PM

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just use gloves and drink n drive as much as u want

85bmw745i - 5/1/2008 8:53:23 PM

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lmao! I guess I won't be able to drink while I am working as a bouncer at the night club on my days off anymore. Just kidding. I don't get drunk and drive. I've seen to many reasons not to drink and drive. TAXIIIIII! I need a ride home from work and a ride back to the night club after my hangover ends so I can get my rover!