Owning a vehicle and being able to drive it is a privilege not everyone has. A driver’s license is accompanied by the need to be a skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible driver. However, this is not necessarily followed. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that about 32 people in the US die in drunk-driving accidents every day. While there are laws and regulations to ensure responsible driving habits and prevent further accidents caused by negligence, these may not be enough to deter temporarily impaired drivers from taking the wheel. That may change soon; Section 24220 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the US states that new cars by 2027 must include technology to determine whether an individual is fit to drive.
Surveillance for prevention
Normally, individuals go through written and driving exams to ensure that they are capable of responsible driving. Cars also now integrate more safety‑driving features through modern technology. Sensors and cameras are in place, for instance, to guide drivers while backing up and parking. However, there’s no failsafe against drunk driving. The law requires cars to have technology that can collect and analyze the driver’s biometric data to decide their current ability to drive.
On paper, the law would require an integrated system for cars sold in the US to have a system that can monitor eye movements and pupil dilation using infrared cameras. Breath sensors also quietly check alcohol levels while tracking the driver’s breathing patterns. The infrared sensors in the start button or steering wheel will also measure blood alcohol via touch. Depending on the results from these systems, the tech would determine whether the driver is fit to drive or not. If not, then the car will have a limited speed or not start at all, whichever is dictated by the system to be the most appropriate.
Accuracy and privacy concerns
Government agencies are assuring the public that necessary tests and research are being thoroughly done. With the Advanced Impaired Driving Prevention Technology provision in the law, the directive for passive, advanced impaired driving prevention systems in new vehicles stands as a binding national safety standard, not a mere suggestion, but a legal requirement. As we are getting closer to the 2027 target, concerns are also being raised about the accuracy and safety of the tech used for the program.
People have acknowledged that inaccurate results can cause not just inconvenience but potential harm as well. For instance, since a drowsiness pattern is being analyzed, side effects from drinking medicine can pick up the eye movement and classify it as a result of being drunk. Others are worried that the car will pick up the wrong signal and bring the car to a sudden, dangerous halt in the middle of a busy road. There’s also the worry about data sharing with companies and the government. While the technology intends to prevent any accidents from drunk driving, concerns about the level of surveillance for the system to take the literal wheel remain.
Photo credit: The feature image used is symbolic and has been done by Sidral Mundet.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Congress.gov / State of Surveillance / Federal Register
