DUI Preventative Vehicle
In the years leading up to the year 2027, monumental improvements to DUI detection technology are likely to take place. These improvements could mean monumental changes to the current status of DUI’s and DUI related injuries throughout the United States. However, with a nationwide statistic that continues to grow with each year that passes, the projection of impactful improvements to current DUI detection technology, offers a glimpse of hope for people’s safety.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
The almost 3,000-page Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, if passed, includes a transportation provision. This provision mandates the implementation of DUI detection technology into any and all passenger vehicles. This provision specifically mandates that all vehicles manufactured after 2027 be equipped with intoxicated driver detection systems.
Moreover, if this bill were to pass, it has the ability to put an end to behavior that results in upwards of 10,000 deaths a year in the United States. Pending the fate of the Infrastructure Bill, a firm release date for a research program will be available. Therefore, this program will be responsible for the development and release of the DUI detection technology.
The federal government and an automotive industry group have been collaborating on DUI detection technology for over a decade. The bill specifically calls on the transportation secretary to begin requiring that all passenger vehicles manufactured after 2027, be equipped with impaired driving prevention technology.
Nissan
While the bill does not specify the particular technology installation that will be necessary, there is a push for individuals to look at Nissan. Nissan’s 2007 concept vehicle provides some insight into what this DUI detection technology could look like.
The development of Nissan’s drunk-driving prevention concept car was part of a series. This series’ main focus was around the development of preventative measures against driving under the influence. This concept was designed to ultimately detect the driver’s condition and thus set the driver free of manual operation if necessary. If the system detects the consumption of alcohol on the driver’s behalf, warnings, suggesting the vehicle stop, occur.
This concept contained features centered around the concept of using alcohol odor sensors. This concept included features like:
- A hi-sensitivity alcohol sensor built into the transmission shift knob. This would be able to detect the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver’s palms.
- Alcohol odor detection sensors incorporated into the driver’s seat – detects the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle
- A camera mounted on the instrument cluster facing the driver. This will detect the driver’s state of consciousness. If signs of drowsiness occur, a navigation alert goes off, and a seat-belt tightening mechanism is goes into effect.
Examples of Other Potential Technology
While the encouragment to use Nissan’s past DUI detection technology concept for reference continues, it is still uncertain which specific technology implementations will be necessary. However, it is public knowledge that these concepts will be passive monitoring systems. This means that drivers will not have to do anything out of their way for the tests to take place.
Here are a couple of the most prominent potential technology concepts, if the bill were to pass:
- A push-start-button system that detects/monitors blood alcohol levels through touch
- A breath monitoring system for the entire vehicle, constantly detecting the air throughout
DUI Specialist
With the fate of the infrastructure bill still unknown, it is important to not rely on potential DUI detection technology to prevent one from driving while under the influence. Meanwhile, individuals should take preventative measures ahead of time to ensure that themselves as well as those they know, do not operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol.
With much uncertainty surrounding the bill, it’s imperative to continue to take precautions when it comes to drinking and driving. Even in the midst of taking these precautions until the fate of the infrastructure bill is finalized, if you find yourself in a situation involving a DUI, you must contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Rick Mueller, California DUI Lawyers Association Specialist, located in the greater San Diego area, has a proven track record, to ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your specific scenario.
DUI Preventative Vehicle