Federal Law Requires New Cars to Include Technology to Detect Drunk or Impaired Driving, But Regulators Still Have Not Cleared It
The safety and well-being of individuals on the road has always been a top priority for governments and automobile manufacturers. With the increasing number of accidents caused by drunk or impaired driving, it has become imperative to find a solution to prevent such tragedies from occurring. In a commendable move, the federal government has passed a law that requires all new cars to include technology that can detect and prevent drunk or impaired driving. However, it is disappointing to note that despite the law being in place, regulators are yet to clear the technology for use.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day, about 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes – that’s one person every 50 minutes. These numbers are alarming and demand immediate action. The federal government has taken a proactive step by mandating the inclusion of technology that can detect and prevent drunk or impaired driving in all new cars. This technology, known as the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), uses sensors to measure the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and can prevent the vehicle from starting if the BAC is above the legal limit of 0.08%.
The DADSS technology has been in development for over a decade and has shown promising results in preventing drunk or impaired driving. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that this technology could potentially save over 7,000 lives every year. With such impressive statistics, one would expect regulators to clear the technology for use without any delay. However, the process has been slow, and the technology is yet to receive the final approval from the NHTSA.
One of the main reasons for the delay in clearing the technology is the concerns raised by some groups about the accuracy and reliability of the DADSS system. These concerns are understandable, considering the significant impact the technology would have on the automobile industry. However, it is essential to note that the DADSS technology has undergone rigorous testing and has been proven to be accurate and reliable. In fact, the technology has been tested on over 400 participants, including individuals with different body types, ages, and drinking patterns, and has shown an accuracy rate of over 99%.
Another concern raised by some groups is the potential cost of implementing this technology in all new cars. However, the NHTSA has estimated that the cost of including the DADSS technology in new vehicles would be around $150 per vehicle, which is a small price to pay for the safety and well-being of individuals on the road. Moreover, the cost of implementing this technology would decrease over time as it becomes more widely used.
It is also worth noting that the DADSS technology is not intended to replace other safety features in vehicles, such as seatbelts and airbags. Instead, it is meant to complement these features and provide an additional layer of protection. The technology is also designed to be non-intrusive, meaning that it does not require the driver to take any action. It operates seamlessly in the background and only intervenes when necessary, making it a convenient and hassle-free solution.
The federal government’s decision to mandate the inclusion of the DADSS technology in all new cars is a significant step towards reducing the number of accidents caused by drunk or impaired driving. It is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals on the road. However, it is essential to expedite the process of clearing the technology for use so that it can be implemented as soon as possible.
In conclusion, the federal law requiring new cars to include technology that can detect and prevent drunk or impaired driving is a positive and much-needed step in the right direction. The DADSS technology has shown promising results and has the potential to save thousands of lives every year. It is time for regulators to clear the technology for use so that it can be implemented and make our roads safer for everyone. Let us all work together towards a future where drunk or impaired driving is a thing of the past.
