Technology May Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents

November 2006

It’s a sad fact that for the past ten years, there has been no significant progress in reducing the number of drunk driving accidents. Statistics show that approximately 13,000 people die each year in crashes where the driver was drunk. Since the current way of punishing drunk drivers is not working, officials are turning to technology for help.

Backed by an association of state highway officials and car manufacturers, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is promoting a campaign to change the drunken driving laws in 49 states requiring that even first-time offenders install a device that tests their alcohol levels before their car will start. These devices, known as ignition interlocks, are required in many states for people who have multiple drunk driving offenses. New Mexico became the first state to use them with first time offenders, and they saw a 12% decline in alcohol-fatalities last year.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the most promising technologies would work automatically such as reading a drivers alcohol-level when they touch the steering wheel or gear shift. Advocates hope the ignition interlocks will become standard on all vehicles and that insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have them.

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