Cars with built-in breathalyzers?
Congress and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are working very hard to put into effect national laws for devices to be put in cars if you are found guilty of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated.) Some states already have laws in effect and if you are found guilty not only do you have to pay for the DWI ticket, etc. you have to buy the interlock device that you have to blow into before the car will start. I think this is a great idea. The only problem is that you only have to have the device on your car for a certain amount of time and then it’s removed. Well unfortunately for many convicted DUI and DWI people, they repeat and there is a trend that shows that after the device is removed, within weeks they are arrested again. Either way, there is no doubt that these interlocking devices are lowering the driving drunk rates for sure.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers members from Ford, GM, Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have been doing a lot of research to try to non-invasive ways to measure alcohol content through skin, perspiration, or a light off a driver’s retina. The driver would be unaware of these measurements occuring. The measuring could occur from the steering wheel, door handle, or brake shift where skin comes in contact. The automakers do not want to “hassle the sober driver” and these non-invasive ways would not.
I love this idea. In the future, these built-in breathalyzers could become standard. Some people think that the interlocking device or the built-in breathalyzers is an invasion of the driver’s privacy. I disagree. Unfortunately, too many times drunk drivers kill other people, and if either device saves the life of 1 person, it’s well worth it. What do you think? Good idea or invasion of privacy??? I’d love to hear what you guys think.