In a previous blog we considered the top concerns of the NHTSA over a three year period beginning in 2011. I deliberately separated the topic of this blog because I feel it has singular significance to the driving public – and future of driving period. The following information was also found in the report about crash avoidance and mitigation.

*NHTSA entered into a 5-year cooperative agreement with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) in early 2008 aimed at “conducting basic research on alcohol detection technologies to reduce drunk driving that could have widespread deployment and are non-invasive, reliable, accurate, and precise”.

To achieve this goal the project aims to:

(1) assess the current state of alcohol detection devices

(2) support the development and testing of prototypes and subsequent
hardware that may be installed in vehicles.

The prototypes would then undergo extensive laboratory and field testing. The agency will assess the research data and technologies and decide on next research step.

I will add my own observations at this point. Over the years we have come to accept the inclusion and expectation that the most basic of safety devices – the seat belt (and now attached shoulder belt) be incorporated into the manufacturing of every car and truck. Now, granted, the vehicle WILL start even if the seatbelt is not attached –

BUT the idea that every vehicle come with a passive sobriety safety device that will prevent a car from starting should the driver be intoxicated – has merit.

If you agree – send a quick letter to your legislator.