Interlocks are likely to become standard in all U.S. cars, and regulators are drafting rules on how to implement the technology. GM supports the installation of standard interlocks on passenger cars as part of a broader goal to reduce dangerous driving and prevent thousands of people**, "We have the technology to do that." ...I think it's the technology that's coming, and I think it's good for everyone. ”
An interlock is a device that prevents the machine from running unless certain conditions are met. In this case, the interlock will prevent the operator from driving the motor vehicle while intoxicated.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a document that it says will help "lay the groundwork for technical standards for potential alcohol damage detection in all new passenger vehicles when the technology matures."
Despite the challenges in drafting these rulesets, NHTSA plans to move forward and propose a federal motor vehicle safety standard that would require passenger vehicles to have "advanced intoxicated and impaired driving prevention technologies" by 2024. NHTSA is required to publish a final rule establishing the standard by November 15, 2024.
Nearly 13,400 people died in drunk driving crashes in the U.S. in 2021, and the social cost is about $280 billion when medical costs, lost wages, and quality of life are calculated.
The need for a better way to reduce DUI incidents is evident and significant. As a result, the NHTSA wants automakers to add technology for everyone, and new cars can monitor driver injuries. It is currently working on this technology, including the ability to test driver breathing or using light technology to obtain real-time blood alcohol levels.
While the overall motivation for this shift appears to be well-intentioned, there are still potential problems. For example, how reliable are these devices actually ?We've told you how some of the technology choices are on the table, but none of them seem to be working in the real world at the time. As we pointed out at the time, any system that doesn't work properly can cause major problems.
A fully sober person may get into trouble if the sensor malfunctions and thinks the driver is drunk. On the other hand, it could be worse if drunk drivers were allowed to drive their vehicles freely.
On top of that, drunk driving drivers sometimes find workarounds and are able to drive despite the interlocks in their cars. NHTSA admits it has done a lot of questions to answer. As it conducts research, we will undoubtedly hear more about its plans.
In recent years, China has been very strict about the regulation of drunk driving. Many years ago, Gao Xiaosong was caught driving under the influence of alcohol and sent to prison, which popularized to the public how harmful a drunk driving is. Now, when the general public drives out to dinner, no one is persuaded to drink anymore. Because everyone knows how much a drunk driving affects a person. However, it still does not prevent a very small number of irrational crazy people. So, if a driver can be identified as drunk or drunk through a mandatory device, it will be much easier to manage. It is hoped that such a device will be commercialized as soon as possible.