Drunk Driving Tech: A Race Against Time
A Law Stuck in the Slow Lane
A law passed in 2021 to reduce drunk driving deaths is facing significant delays. The law mandates that new cars must be equipped with technology that detects if a driver is impaired. This technology could include sensors that detect alcohol in the air or scanners that track eye movements, with the goal of preventing the car from being driven if the driver is impaired.
The Inspiration Behind the Law
The law is named after Rana Abbas Taylor's family, who were tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2019. Taylor has been advocating for this change ever since, aiming to reduce the over 10,000 alcohol-related deaths that occur on U.S. roads each year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) considers this law the most important in their 45-year history.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its noble goals, the law faces several challenges:
- False Positives: Some worry about false positives, where the technology might mistakenly identify a driver as impaired. For example, a mother swerving to avoid a pet in a snowstorm might have her car shut off.
- Technological Readiness: Others argue that the technology is not yet ready and needs more time for testing.
Recent Developments
The law recently faced a significant test when a group attempted to cut its funding, but they were unsuccessful. Another group is pushing to repeal the law entirely, arguing that it is akin to a "kill switch" that allows the government to control cars. However, the alcohol industry disputes this, stating that the technology is passive, similar to seat belts or airbags.
The Road Ahead
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still working on the rules and expects to report back to Congress soon. Even supporters believe the decision will be delayed until at least 2027, after which car companies will have a few more years to implement the technology.
Efforts to Speed Up the Process
Some individuals are trying to accelerate the process. One bill offers a $45 million prize for the first working technology. Taylor remains hopeful and is determined not to give up until this technology is in every car.
