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Drunk driving has already turned out to be one of the most serious causes of accidents around the world. In the United States, traffic police are alert day and night trying to arrest motorists driving under the influence.
Anyone arrested for drunk driving face jail time, huge fines, and license cancellations. There is no doubt that a considerable number of accidents have been prevented by police intervention and sobriety checkpoints.
Increasing Drunk Driving Accidents
Unfortunately, traffic police and other highway patrol officers can only do so much. The number of people driving under the influence is too much for law enforcement to control.
One person dies every 50 minutes in a road accident caused by drunk driving [source]. Recent statistics indicate that more than ten thousand people die each year due to accidents caused by drunk driving. As these numbers grow, police are pressured to find new ways of enforcing the law.
Role of Technology in DUI
In the last few years, new technology has provided breakthroughs to reduce drunk driving accidents. In some countries, innovative technology is already in place and its positive impacts have already been recorded. However, in the United States, only a few technological innovations have been put in place to deal with drunk driving.
The United States’ federal government is currently working on some innovative technologies to prevent drunk driving. Most experts are in favor of using such technologies as they offer the following benefits:
- Accurate reading of blood alcohol content
- Technology can test a larger number of drivers
- Technology is more cost-effective than hiring more police officers
There are some standard technologies that have already been put in place, and they are showing some positive results. Some of these innovative ideas are:
1. Ignition Interlock Device
This technology works as an automatic breathalyzer that requires all the drivers to undergo Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) before they can start their cars. The system is very accurate and determines the amount of alcohol in the driver’s blood before allowing it to start the vehicle.
If the amount of alcohol in the blood exceeds the legal limit, the vehicle will not start. This is a useful technology because it does not require enforcement by a traffic officer. This device has been used with great success in Sweden.
2. Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety
Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, commonly referred to as DADSS, is a revolutionary onboard technology intended to reduce drunk driving deaths by more than seven thousand every year. It operates just like an ignition interlock device through a breathalyzer.
However, the DADSS system uses infrared technology to determine whether the levels of alcohol in the blood are below the recommended levels in each state in the United States. Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety also allows for parental controls to enact a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under age 21.
3. Ridesharing Apps
Ridesharing apps have been around for a while, such as Uber and Lyft. They help people who are impaired get home without driving themselves. Recently, there has been an emergence of ridesharing apps that are designed specifically for impaired individuals.
Hailo and Steer Clear are customized to help alcohol-impaired individuals to arrive home safely. These two ride-sharing apps also help to get the car of an impaired home.
Have You Been Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be unable to resume your daily activities due to injury. However, you can recover medical expenses and lost wages with the help of your personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can help you decide what action to take after a drunk driving accident.
