DOT Presents New Technology that Could Curb Drunk Driving

DOT Presents New Technology that Could Curb Drunk Driving

Category: Car Accidents

Posted June 5, 2015 by admin


Yesterday, officials at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) met with some members of Congress to present their advancements in technology that is intended to prevent drunk drivers from operating vehicles. This presentation, which was part of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) program, reportedly revealed the latest vehicle equipment that researchers will test over the next few years.

The DADSS program was initiated in 2008, and it represents a partnership between the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS).

A Closer Look at the DADSS Technology

DOT officials recently presented the latest advancements in technology intended to curb drunk driving, a Mount Vernon car accident lawyer explains.
DOT officials recently presented the latest advancements in technology intended to curb drunk driving, a Mount Vernon car accident lawyer explains.

According to the DOT, yesterday’s meeting included the presentation of two DADSS prototypes, including:

  • One that can detect alcohol impairment via touch/the skin
  • Another that can sense alcohol intoxication via motorists’ breath.

At this point, researchers are poised to conduct in-depth studies over the next five (5) years regarding how drivers interact with these systems. The goal is to develop a body of data that would support having the drunk driver prevention technology be:

  • Mandatory for certain classes of motorists – possibly new/teen drivers and/or commercial motorists
  • Possibly available to install on private passenger vehicles.

Commenting on the progress of this groundbreaking technology, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has stated:

This is a perfect example of why we at DOT are bullish on technology…Education, awareness and enforcement have succeeded in dramatically reducing drunk driving fatalities, but the advanced technology of DADSS brings enormous potential to save even more lives.

President and CEO of ACTS Rob Strassburger expressed similar thoughts about this technology, stating that:

Public-private research partnerships like DADSS have led to innovations that enhance our everyday lives, such as the Internet, GPS and the microchip. Now we have our sights set on inventing a world without drunk driving…There’s more work to be done, but through this broad coalition of support, we are driven to successfully complete this life-saving technology.

What do you think about these developments? Do you think this technology could end drunk driving in the U.S.? Post your comments and opinions on this topic on our Facebook & Google+ pages.

Mount Vernon Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C.

Have you or a loved one been hurt by a drunk or impaired driver? If so, an experienced and trusted Mount Vernon car accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. is ready to stand up for your rights.

At the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, we take pride in tailoring our legal representation to specifically meet our clients’ needs and in expertly guiding them through each stage of the complex legal process. While our attorneys are aggressive and effective litigators both inside and outside of the courtroom, we are also counselors that can provide our clients with helpful legal advice regarding their best options.

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