NHTSA Takes First Step in Requiring Anti-Drunk Driving Technology in New Vehicles
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a significant development in its efforts to reduce drunk-driving crashes. The agency has issued an ‘Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking’ that will lay the groundwork for the implementation of anti-drunk driving technology in all new passenger vehicles.
Addressing the Issue of Drunk-Driving Crashes
The NHTSA’s proposed rulemaking aims to fulfill the requirements of the bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which mandates the establishment of a technology safety standard by November 2024. The goal is to prevent more than 10,000 road deaths annually caused by alcohol-impaired driving.
In 2021 alone, over 13,380 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes, resulting in significant economic costs totaling $280 billion. These crashes remain one of the leading causes of roadway fatalities in the United States.
The Importance of Alcohol-Impairment Detection Technology
The NHTSA’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks to introduce standards for “potential alcohol-impairment detection technology” in all new vehicles. By requiring the installation of this technology, the agency aims to prevent drunk individuals from operating vehicles and reduce the occurrence of alcohol-related accidents.
Possible technologies under consideration include breath- or touch-based sensors that can detect alcohol levels and cameras that monitor eye movements to identify signs of intoxication. However, before mandating these technologies, the NHTSA must ensure their effectiveness and reliability.
Support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing drunk-driving accidents, has expressed its support for the NHTSA’s initiative. The organization urges the agency to finalize and implement the rules as soon as possible to save lives and prevent further injuries.
MADD National President Tess Rowland emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Everyone involved in this rulemaking process at NHTSA and everyone designing impaired-driving prevention technologies at car companies need to understand that this is about saving human beings from the horror I’ve experienced and from the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of Americans. We must get this done. Lives are at stake.”
Conclusion
The NHTSA’s issuance of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking marks a significant step toward requiring anti-drunk driving technology in all new passenger vehicles. By implementing alcohol-impairment detection technology, the agency aims to reduce the number of drunk-driving crashes and save lives. With the support of organizations like MADD, it is hoped that these rules will be finalized and implemented promptly, making our roads safer for everyone.
