Time to Discuss - The Anti Drink Drive Car

It would seem that the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan is intending to produce cars that will not start if you have more than the legal limit of alcohol in your bloodstream in a move that could well see the implementation of anti drink drive devices becoming common place in automobiles.

The vehicles in question will feature one of two possible technologies to prevent the engine starting if you are over the legal limit.

The first is a pin coded ignition system whereby you will have to enter a unique pin number to start the vehicle – the general consensus being that those over intoxicated are unlikely to remember their pin numbers. Of course, there is nothing stopping the avid drink driver from simply writing down the code, so this seems a little redundant as a satisfactory safety device.

The second possible implementation of this system would involve a breathalyser being linked to the vehicle’s ignition. The driver would therefore have to blow into a tube protruding from either the steering column or the dashboard in order to convince that car that they are not too inebriated to drive.

Whilst one could reasonably argue that this is another step towards the Big Brother state, I would argue that if such a device could save lives then surely it’s a measure that we should ultimately embrace. Whilst it is not for me to launch into a diatribe on the whys and wherefores of drink driving, the fact is that there is an element who will get behind a wheel whilst incapacitated by alcohol and, ultimately, it is because of that element in each of our societies that such measures are being even being considered.

If such a device saves even one young life (and the family’s anguish) then, as a feeling human being, I cannot help but applaud the idea.

What are your thoughts? Is this going to far? Would you buy a car with such a device?

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