Like many Americans, you enjoy a night out after a long week of working. Nothing relieves stress quite like a few drinks with friends at your favorite bar. Though you feel sober enough to drive home, your blood alcohol content (BAC) might be over the legal limit. How do you know if it is safe to drive home?
New automotive technology may soon help you out in these situations. Researchers have developed a new system that can test your BAC before starting the car. Now, lawmakers hope to include these Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety (DADSS) in all new vehicles by 2024.
Preventing drunk driving could save thousands of lives
The DADSS operates like an ignition interlock device (IID), preventing a car from starting if the driver tests above the legal alcohol limit of .08. Where an IID serves as a punitive measure for those already convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), the DADSS will prevent those crimes from ever taking place.
Drunk driving is illegal in every state in the U.S., and with good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk drivers kill over 10,000 people annually. The DADSS works to stop drunk driving from occurring at all. In Colorado, nearly 1,600 people have lost their lives to drunk drivers. The DADSS could reduce that number to zero.
A legislative push for a new standard
Two senators are actively developing bipartisan legislation to require the DADSS on all new cars. With field testing underway, the tech developers anticipate few problems installing these systems on all new vehicles by 2024. Increased safety regulations have helped reduce the number of traffic deaths significantly — the DADSS presents the next step in preventing traffic deaths.
Those facing a DUI conviction can seek help from a lawyer
Many people have difficulty understanding Colorado’s complex DUI laws. Those facing charges find more success in building a reliable defense working with a local attorney familiar with DUI laws and regulations